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2023 Audi A3 Owners Manual - Driving



Driving

Fig. 72 Center console: starting the engine

Requirement: the key must be in the vehicle. Starting the engine
» Press and hold the brake pedal. > Press the [START ENGINE STOP] button. The engine will start. Equipment that uses a lot of electricity is switched off temporarily when you start the engine. If the engine does not start immediately, the starting procedure stops automatically after a short time. If this is the case, repeat the starting procedure after approximately 30 seconds. Stopping the engine
» Bring the vehicle to a full stop.
» Press the button. The engine will switch off.

Applies to: vehicles with steering lock: The steering is locked when you turn off the engine and open the driver's door. The steering lock helps prevent vehicle theft. “P” must be engaged on vehicles with an automatic transmission.

Stopping the engine in an emergency If necessary in an emergency, the engine can also be stopped while driving using the emergency off function*. > Press the [START ENGINE STOP] button twice in

a row or press and hold it one time.

Switching on and off If you would like to switch the ignition on or off without starting the engine, follow these steps: > Press the button without pressing the brake pedal.

Switching the ignition off automatically To prevent the vehicle battery from draining, the ignition and possibly the exterior lighting may switch off automatically. Requirements: — The Start/Stop system must have stopped the

engine. — Depending on the engine: you must have driven

the vehicle. — You must have left the vehicle for longer than.

30 seconds. ~The ignition must be switched on. Among other indicators, the system detects that you have left the vehicle based on the following factors: ~The driver's door has been opened. ~The driver's safety belt has been unbuckled. ~The brake pedal is not being pressed. The ignition will also be switched off if the vehicle is locked from the outside.

~To reduce the risk of asphyxiation, never allow the engine to run in confined spaces.

— Never turn off the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the “P” selector lever position is engaged. Switching it off before the vehicle has stopped may impair the function of the brake booster and power steering. You would then need to use more force to steer and brake the vehicle. The fact that you cannot steer and brake as usual may increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries.

~ Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle > page 88. >

Driving

Avoid high engine speed, full throttle, and heavy engine load if the engine has not reached operating temperature yet. You could damage the engine.

— If the engine has been under heavy load for an extended period of time, heat builds up

the engine compartment after the engine switched off and there is a risk of damag\g the engine. For this reason, let the engine run at idle for approximately two minutes before shutting it off.

— Brief noises are normal when starting and parking the vehicle and are no cause for concern.

—For up to 10 minutes after stopping the engine, the radiator fan may turn on again automatically or it may continue to run, even if the ignition is switched off.

— It may not be possible to start the vehicle in extremely low temperatures.

— Power will be fully available once the engine is at operating temperature.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment:

[i Engine start system: malfunction! Please contact Service

There is a malfunction in the engine start system. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired. Hi Remote control key: key not detected. Is the key still in the vehicle? The vehicle key was removed from the vehicle while the engine is running. If the vehicle key is no longer in the vehicle, you cannot switch the ignition on or start the engine once you stop it. You also cannot lock the vehicle from the outside. Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect key: The vehicle key and the smartphone were removed

8B

from the vehicle while the engine is running. If the vehicle key and smartphone are no longer in the vehicle, you cannot switch the ignition on or restart the engine once you stop the engine. You also cannot lock the vehicle from the outside.

Remote control key: hold back of key against the designated area. See owner's manual

The battery in the vehicle key may be drained or there may be a malfunction. To start the vehicle, you must also hold the vehicle key against the location shown f) > page 87, fig. 72. Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect key: The battery in the vehicle key may be drained or there may be a malfunction. To start the vehicle, you must also hold the vehicle key against the location shown f) & page 87, fig. 72 or place the Audi connect key into the charging cradle. If the malfunction remains, drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or autho ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction corrected.

When driving Sta

ig to d

e, stopping, and par!

Starting from a stop

» Press and hold the brake pedal. > Start the engine.
» Select “D” or “R”.
» Release the parking brake. > Release the brake pedal. The vehicle may roll. > Press the accelerator pedal to accelerate. Securing the vehicle against rolling Secure your vehicle to prevent it from rolling before exiting the vehicle.
» Set the parking brake.
» Select “P”.
» If parking on a steep road, turn the steering wheel so that your vehicle will roll against the curb in case it should start to move.

If one of these measures is not possible, for example because there is no vehicle power, you >

Driving

must secure your vehicle against rolling using additional measures.
» Only park the vehicle on a level surface.
» Use suitable objects to block the front and rear wheels.

Set the parking brake before selecting the “P” selector lever position. This prevents too much stress from being put on the locking mechanism. when parking on a steep surface.

— Always set the parking brake when leaving your vehicle, even if for a short period of time. If the parking brake is not set, the vehicle could roll away, increasing the risk of an accident.

—Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running, because this increases the risk of an accident.

— If the parking brake is set, it can release automatically when the accelerator pedal is pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident, do not inadvertently press the accelerator pedal and always shift into “P” when the vehicle is stopped.

— If you leave the vehicle, switch the ignition off and take the key with you. This is especially important when leaving persons or animals in the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle could start unintentionally, the parking brake could release, or electronic equipment could activate, which increases the risk of an accident.

— No persons or animals should be left ina locked vehicle. Locked doors make it more difficult for emergency workers to enter the vehicle, which puts lives at risk.

~ If you do not begin driving immediately after releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle may begin to roll backward. Press the brake ped- al or set the parking brake immediately.

If you have to stop on an incline, always press the brake pedal to hold the vehicle in place to reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling backward. Do not try to hold the vehicle in place

by pressing and holding the accelerator pedal. The transmission can overheat, which increases the risk of damage.

ill hold assist

If you take your foot off of the brake pedal when driving on hills, the braking force will be held for several seconds. At that time, you can start driving without the vehicle rolling backward. Requirement: the driver's door must be closed, the engine must be on, and the vehicle must be traveling uphill.
» To activate hill hold assist, press and hold the

brake pedal for several seconds while the vehicle is stationary.

— If you do not begin driving immediately after releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle may begin to roll backward. Press the brake pedal or set the parking brake immediately.

~The hill hold assist cannot hold the vehicle on inclines in every scenario (for example, on slippery or icy ground).

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment: BB ditt hold assist: unavailable The hill hold assist is temporarily unavailable. Press the brake pedal to secure the vehicle from rolling away unintentionally.

Gears and driving programs

Fig. 73 Center console: selector lever

The automatic transmission shifts automatically depending on the selected gear and the current driving style. When driving with a moderate driving style, upshifting early and downshifting late will help to improve fuel economy. When driving with a sporty driving style, the transmission permits higher RPMs. Gears The gears are shown on the shift gate beside the “p” button @. =P (Park): parking lock =R (Reverse): driving in reverse —N (Neutral): idle =D (Drive): driving forward Driving programs Various driving programs can be selected when in the “D” position. These programs influence, for example, when the transmission shifts and how the accelerator pedal responds. The selected driving program is displayed in the instrument cluster.

=D (Drive): normal driving mode ~S (Sport): sporty driving mode Selecting a gear Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.

~ Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the brake pedal.

—To select the nearest position, move the selector lever forward or back until you feel the first pressure point.

To skip a position (for example, to move from “D" directly to “R”), move the selector lever past the pressure point in the desired direction.

~The label next to the selector lever for the selected gear will light up.

“N” (Neutral) selector lever position In the “N” selector lever position, power is not transmitted to the driving wheels. Use the “N” selector lever in a car wash (with conveyor belts), for example. If you unintentionally select “N” while driving (faster than 1 mph (2 km/h)), you can select “D” again without pressing the brake pedal. For safety reasons, the vehicle cannot be locked when the "N” position is engaged. “p” (Park) selector lever position Requirement: the ignition must be switched on. The parking lock secures the vehicle from rolling when the “P” selector lever position is selected. The parking lock is a mechanical locking mechanism in the transmission.

— Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the brake pedal.

—Press the “P” button @). — When the “P” gear is selected, the button will

light up. ” engages automatically if you switch the engine off while the “D” or “R” gear is selected. If you switch the engine off in “N”, “P” will engage automatically after approximately 30 minutes. If you want to switch from “P” to “D” or “R”, the engine must be running. If you cannot shift out of “P”, for example because the vehicle has no power, see an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

Selecting a driving program To switch between the current driving program and “S”, push the selector lever toward the rear. If you select the dynamic mode in Audi drive select*, the “S” driving program will be activated. >

Driving

When the ignition is switched off, the driving program may be reset to “D”. RS models: Selecting the As TORQUE REAR or [ws PERFORMANCE Audi drive select* mode activates particularly sporty characteristics of the S driving program. A red “S” is displayed in the instrument cluster. In this case, driving program “D” cannot be selected using the selector lever.

— Before you start driving, check if the label for the desired selector lever position next to the selector lever is lit up.

— Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle > page 88.

— Power is still transmitted to the wheels when the engine is running at idle. To prevent the vehicle from “creeping”, you must keep your foot on the brake in all selector lever positions (except "P" and "N") when the engine is running.

—To reduce the risk of an accident, do not press the accelerator pedal when changing gears if the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running.

—Never select the “R" position while driving. Doing so could cause an accident.

— The vehicle can roll even if the ignition is switched off.

= If you shift back and forth between “D” and “R” within one second, you do not need to press the brake pedal. This makes it possible to “rock” if it is stuck, for example.

Audi recommends the “D” driving program for everyday driving.

Manual shifti

Fig. 74 Steering wheel: shift paddles"

You can shift the gears manually when in “D” mode. The transmission is in tiptronic mode and “M” is displayed in the instrument cluster. You can shift into manual shifting mode while the vehicle is stationary or while driving.

Shifting with the shift paddles Applies to: vehicles with shift paddles In the “D” or “E” driving program, you can shift gears manually for a short period of time. If you stop using the shift paddles temporarily, the transmission will switch back to automatic mode.

While in the “S” driving program, you can switch to manual shifting mode and stay in that mode by operating a shift paddle. To exit this mode again you will need to select a different driving program.

» Upshifting: press the @ shift paddle fig. 74. > Downshifting: press the shift paddle. > Applies to: RS models: To engage the lowest possible gear for maximum acceleration, press and hold the shift paddle.

> To switch back to automatic mode, press and hold the @ shift paddle.

~The transmission only allows manual shi ing when the engine speed is within the permitted range.

~The transmission automatically shifts up or down before critical engine speed is reached.

— Applies to: RS models: Depending on the Audi drive select* mode that is selected, a red “M” may be shown in the instrument

91

Driving

cluster. The manual shifting mode reacts particularly sporty in this case. When accelerating, the transmission does not automatically shift to the next gear shortly before the maximum permitted engine RPM is reached. Shift to the next highest gear at the right time.

Accelerator pedal You can accelerate the vehicle using the accelerator pedal. Maximum acceleration If you press the accelerator pedal all the way down, the motor’s full power will be used and you will reach maximum acceleration, also called “kick-down”.

The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle could swerve on slick or slippery road surfaces when using kick-down, which increases the risk of an accident.

Launch Control Applies to: vehicles with Launch Control Launch Control provides the best possible acceleration when starting from a stop. Requirements ~The engine must be at operating temperature. ~The steering wheel must not be turned. ~ Start/Stop system* must be deactivated

= page 96. — ESC must be limited page 106. = Driving program “S” page 90 or the dynamic

Audi drive select* mode must be selected = page 103.

Using Launch Control — Press the brake pedal with your left foot and

hold it all the way down for at least one second. —With the brake pedal pressed, press the accelerator pedal all the way down with your right foot at the same time.

— Once the engine reaches a constant speed, remove your foot from the brake pedal.

— Applies to: RS models: Once the engine has reached a constant RPM and the message Launch control program: activated appears, take your foot off the brake pedal.

‘Once the vehicle has started moving, reactivate the ESC so that it is fully functional.

Only use Launch Control when road and traffic conditions allow it and other road users will not be endangered or impacted by your driving and the vehicle's acceleration. The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle could swerve, especially on slick or slippery road surfaces, which increases the risk of an accident.

—When accelerating using Launch Control, all vehicle components are subject to heavy loads. This can result in increased wear.

—To reduce the risk of damaging the vehicle, trailer, and cargo, avoid using launch control while in trailer towing mode.

After accelerating using the Launch Control, the temperature of some vehicle components may increase greatly. If that happens, the function will not be available for a few minutes to reduce the risk of damage. After a cool-down period, Launch Control will be available again.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment: Bil transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location and secure it so it does not roll page 88. See an authorized Audi >

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dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance. Bi transmi: Do not continue driving. Select "P" and contact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

: too hot. Please stop vehicle

[Gi transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving style The transmission temperature has increased significantly. Drive very cautiously or take a break from driving until the temperature returns to the normal range and the indicator light turns off. [i transmission: malfunction! You can continue driving. See owner's manual There is a system malfunction in the transmission. You may continue driving. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected. [i transmi: ue driving with limited function. Please contact Service

ion: malfunction! You can continThere is a system malfunction in the transmission. The transmission is switching to emergency mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected. [Bi transmission: malfunction! You can continue driving with limited function. No reverse gear

There is a system malfunction in the transmission. The transmission is switching to emergency mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall. You cannot engage the reverse gear. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected. [Bi transmission: malfunction! You can continue driving in D until engine is off

There is a selector lever malfunction. You cannot leave the selected position. Do not switch off the

engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

[i Danger of rolling away! P not possible. Please apply parking brake The parking lock can no longer be engaged. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected. Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle > page 88. [Bl selector lever: malfunction! Gear change only possible using both shift paddles. There is a system malfunction in the selector lever. You can continue driving with restricted function. The selector lever is not working. Gears can only be selected by tapping both shift paddles at the same time when the vehicle is stationary. The “p” gear is automatically engaged when you turn off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

BBlsetector lever: malfunction! You can con ue driving. Please contact Service

There is a system malfunction in the selector lever. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired. [B)P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine off. Please contact Service There is a malfunction in the "P" button on the selector lever. The “P” gear is automatically engaged when you turn off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Clutch: check pedal. You can continue driving The clutch is not transferring all of the engine torque. If necessary, remove your foot from the clutch pedal.

Driving

Drive system

Anew vehicle must be broken in within the first 1,000 miles (1,500 km) so that all moving parts work smoothly together, which helps to increase the service life of the engine and other drive components. Do not drive higher than two-thirds of the maximum permitted engine RPM during the first 6 miles (1,000 km) and do not use full acceleration. The engine can be increased RPM gradually during the next 300 miles (500 km).

Conventional and mild hybrid drive system Applies to: vehicles with a conventional drive system or a mild hybrid drive system Vehicles with a conventional drive system are powered by a combustion engine. It uses fuel to recover energy. Vehicles with a mild hybrid drive system have additional battery technology. Coasting Applies to: vehicles with coasting function Fuel can be saved by coasting, also called “sailing”. When coasting, the combustion engine will be disengaged and the vehicle will roll without using the engine braking effect. Coasting can activate when in the “D” driving program at speeds up to approximately 100 mph (160 km/h) when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal. The data from the Efficiency assist* is used for a predictive control.

Vehicles with a mild hybrid drive system can switch off the engine automatically when coasting is active.

Engine braking will no longer occur when coasting is active. The vehicle will not decelerate as usual or the speed can increase when driving downhill. This can increase the risk of an accident.

You can discontinue coasting by accelerating or braking. Slight braking corrections are also possible without discontinuing the coasting.

Applies to: vehicles with recuperation

The vehicle is able to recover energy by using recuperation. This converts the majority of the movement energy into electric energy, which is stored in the hybrid drive system battery. In addition to the engine braking effect from the combustion engine, the vehicle is braked by recuperation. Recuperation can activate when in the “D” driving program if you press the brake pedal or take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Setting options Depending on the equipment, you can set how strongly the vehicle should be braked by recuperation while coasting. > Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: Vehicle > (Charging & Efficiency) > Efficiency assist > Recuperation.

Automatic: the recuperation braking effect is adjusted proactively, for example based on the route ahead. If the vehicle is equipped with a front radar sensor, then the recuperation can also react to vehicles driving ahead. Off: the vehicle will not be braked by recuperation when coasting.

In certain situations, the recuperation may brake proactively. However, the recuperation braking effect is limited. Always be ready to brake to reduce the risk of an accident.

If the ESC is limited or switched off, automatic recuperation is not available and will not brake.

Driving

Your driving style greatly influences the amount of fuel and energy consumed, the environmental impact, and the wear on the motor, brakes, and tires. Note the following information for efficient and environmentally-conscious driving: —Turn off electrical equipment that is not needed, for example seat heating. — Anticipate upcoming traffic situations while

driving to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

~ Avoid driving at high speeds. ~ Avoid adding extra weight to the vehicle if possible, for example by not leaving roof racks or bike racks installed when they are not needed.

— Make sure the tire pressure is correct. ~ Have maintenance performed regularly on the

vehicle. ~ Do not let the engine run while the vehicle

parked. — Do not drive with winter tires during the summer. —Use the Start/Stop system. ~ Utilize the engine braking effect. ~ Avoid driving short distances when possible. ~ Vehicles with recuperation: If you must decelerate the vehicle and coasting is not possible, then switch quickly from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal and press the brake with steady pressure. This allows the best possible use of recuperation.

The amount of noise produced by the vehicle can increase significantly when driving with a sporty style. Show respect to others around you and the environment with the way you operate your vehicle, especially at night.

Energy management Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent energy management system for distributing electricity. This significantly improves the starting ability and increases the vehicle battery life.

— If you drive short distances frequently, the vehicle battery may not charge enough while driving. As a result, convenience functions for electrical equipment may be temporarily unavailable.

~The vehicle battery will gradually drain if the vehicle is not driven for long periods of time, or if electrical equipment is used when the engine is not running. To ensure. that the vehicle can still be started, the electrical equipment will be limited or switched off.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment: Ei prive system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle There is a malfunction in the drive system. The brake booster and the power steering may stop working. Stop the vehicle immediately or as soon as possible and do not continue driving. Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle page 88. Have the problem corrected by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. EB prive system: malfunction! Please contact Service There is a malfunction in the drive system. Drive slowly to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction corrected.

Start/Stop system

Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system The Start/Stop system can help increase fuel economy and reduce CO emissions. In Start/ Stop mode, the engine shuts off automatically when stopped, for example at a traffic light. The ignition and important assist systems such as the brake booster will remain available during >

Driving

the Stop phase. The engine will restart automatically when needed. The Start/Stop system is automatically activated once the ignition is switched on. Switching the Start/Stop system off and on The & button is located above the selector lever in the center console. The button will be illuminated when the function is switched off. > Press & to switch the system on or off.

If you switch the system off during a Stop phase, the engine will start again automatically. Basic requirements ~The driver's door and the hood must be closed

and the driver's safety belt must be fastened. —"P", "N", or "D" must be engaged. — The steering wheel must not be turned far in either direction. ~The vehicle must have driven faster than 2 mph

(3 km/h) since the last time it stopped. ~The vehicle is not in trailer mode.

Always switch the Start/Stop system off when driving through water > page 96.

= Depending on the driving situation, the engine may already stop when coasting before the vehicle has come to a complete stop This allows for a smooth transition from coasting* to being stopped page 94.

= Ifyou select the "D" position after shifting into reverse, the vehicle must be driven faster than 6 mph (10 km/h) in order for the Start/Stop system to become active again. This makes it possible to maneuver without stopping the engine.

Stopping and starting the engine Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
» Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle

has stopped. The [J indicator light appears in the instrument cluster once the engine stops automatically.

» The engine starts again when you remove your foot from the brake pedal. The indicator light turns off.

If the parking brake is set, the engine will only start again when the accelerator pedal is pressed.

—Press the brake pedal during a Stop phase to keep the vehicle from rolling.

— The ignition will turn off if you press the [START ENGINE STOP] button during a Stop phase.

~ Ifyou leave the vehicle briefly during a Stop phase and then enter again, the driver's door must be closed and the safety belt must be fastened in order for the engine to beable to restart.

~You can control if the engine will stop or not by reducing or increasing the amount of force you use to press the brake pedal. For example, if you only lightly press on the brake pedal in stop-and-go traffic or when turning, the engine will not switch off when the vehicle is stationary. If you press the brake pedal harder, the engine will switch off.

Stai ally

Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system

g and stopping the engine automa‘

The system checks if certain conditions are met before and during the Stop phase, and determines if the engine stops and how long it remains stopped. For example, if power usage is, high, the engine will not be stopped. Along with other conditions, the following factors influence the automatic engine start or stop: ~ Environmental conditions (slopes, inclines, elevation, temperature) ~ Battery (charge status, temperature, power usage) ~ Engine temperature ~ Assist systems = Driving behavior

Driving

Messages Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment: Drive system: please start the vehicle manually This message appears when specific conditions are not met during a Stop phase. The Start/Stop system will not be able to restart the engine. The engine must be started with the

button. Vehicle starting system: malfunction! Please contact Service

There is a malfunction in the Start/Stop system. Drive the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Service Facility as soon as possible to have the malfunction corrected.

Brakes General informatio‘

You can apply the vehicle's brakes using the brake pedal. Operating noise Noises may occur when braking depending on the speed, braking force, and outside conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Braking effect The response time from the brakes depends on the weather and environmental conditions. To ensure the optimal braking effect, the brake system is cleaned at regular intervals. This is done by applying the brake pads to the brake rotors for a short period of time when driving at high speeds when the windshield wipers are switched on. If the brake system becomes damp, for example after driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily increase the response time of the brakes include:

- Wet conditions — Low temperatures, ice, and snow — Roads covered in salt — Dirty brake pads

Corrosion

Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driven frequently or for long distances. In this case, braking heavily several times while driving at high speeds can clean the brake rotors /\. Brake pads New brake pads do not achieve their full braking effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They must be “broken in” first. However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy braking during the break-in period. Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the vehicle is driven and on operating conditions. Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently in the city or short distances or when using a very sporty driving style. Ceramic brakes Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration rates. The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may be significantly longer than for standard brake rotors. The properties of the material may also cause noise, especially when driving at lower speeds. Ceramic brakes also absorb more moisture in wet conditions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less braking force than when the brakes are dry. You can compensate for this by pressing the brake pedal harder. Automatic post-collision braking system The automatic post-collision braking system can help to reduce the risk of sliding and of additional collisions after an accident. If the airbag control module detects a collision, the vehicle is braked by the ESC. The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of the following occurs: ~The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or >

Driving

~The braking force generated by the pressed brake pedal is greater than the braking force that would be initiated by the system

~The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle electrical system is not functioning

— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of cleaning the brake system when road and traffic conditions permit. You must not endanger other road users and increase the risk of an accident.

= Due to the risk of injury, only have an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility work on the brake system. Incorrect repairs could impair the function.

Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is stopped because this increases the risk of an accident.

During automatic braking maneuvers, the brake pedal may move downward automatically. To reduce the risk of injury, do not place your foot under the brake pedal.

— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the pedal lightly when braking is not actually necessary. This can cause the brakes to overheat and increases braking distance and causes wear.

— Observe the important information for driving downhill > page 107. This especially applies when towing a trailer.

— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoiler, wheel covers or similar items, make sure that the air flow to the brakes is not obstructed. Otherwise the brake system can overheat.

—Also refer to the information about brake fluid = page 224.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment:

[RNG / GB brakes: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle There is a malfunction in the brake system. If EES Band Bi atso turn on, there is a malfunction in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution. If the brake booster is not working, you have to use much more force when braking the vehicle. Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance. Read and follow the other safety precautions 2 A\. [OMG / BB Brake pads: wear limit reached. You can continue driving. Please contact Service

The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as soon as possible to have the malfunction corrected. Brake booster: limited functionality. You can continue driving The brake booster has limited availability or is not available. ~ If the message appears while the vehicle is stationary with the ignition switched off, there is no malfunction. The brake booster will be fully functional when the ignition is switched on. Before exiting your vehicle, secure it from rolling > page 88.

~ If the message appears while the vehicle is stationary with the ignition switched on, there is a malfunction. Secure the vehicle against rolling page 88. Remove your foot from the brake pedal. Switch the ignition off and back on. If the message still appears or it appears while driving, drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or autho ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction corrected. The brake booster is available, but its effectiveness is reduced. The braking performance may be different compared to the usual performance.

Other indicator lights When you switch the ignition on, the BG / Hi) indicator light turns on briefly to check the function. If the indicator light does not turn on, there is a system malfunction.

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1¢ BRN / HB stays on, there is a malfunction in the brake system. [B- A high toad was placed on the brakes from driving downhill for a long period of time. Follow the instructions in the message to utilize the engine braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution, interventions that stabilize the vehicle will no longer be available. This could cause the vehicle to swerve, which increases the risk that the vehicle will slide. Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

Electromechanical parking brake Operating the parking brake

The electromechanical parking brake is used to secure the vehicle from rolling away unintentionally.

The @) switch is located under the selector lever in the center console. It turns on when the parking brake is set. You can release the parking brake manually or automatically when you start to drive. Setting and releasing the parking brake
» Setting: pull the (@ switch. > 1 MM / BB appears, the parking brake is holding the vehicle. You can remove your foot from the brake pedal.

» Releasing: when the ignition is switched on, press and hold the brake pedal and press the @ button.

If the red indicator light flashes, the braking force has not built up enough or it has decreased. You can also secure the vehicle by selecting the “p” gear or pressing the brake pedal. Make sure the indicator light is off before you start driving.

Automatically releasing the parking brake when starting to drive Requirement: the driver's door must be closed and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
» Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.

=To reduce the risk of an accident, always make sure the vehicle is situated safely while stationary.

= If the parking brake is set, it can release automatically when the accelerator pedal is pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident, do not inadvertently press the accelerator pedal and always shift into “P” when the vehicle is stopped.

If the power supply fails, you cannot set the parking brake once it is released, or release it if it is set. Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle > page 88. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

—When engaging the parking brake, the brake pedal may move downward automatically. To reduce the risk of injury, do not place your foot under the brake pedal.

On steep inclines, especially when in trailer mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unintentionally when starting to drive. To reduce the risk of this happening, pull and hold the switch while pressing the accelerator pedal. If enough drive power has built up at the wheels and the vehicle does not roll backwards, then release the switch to start to drive.

= Ifyou leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are engaged, the parking brake will be set automatically.

= Noises when the parking brake is set and released are normal and are not a cause for concern.

~The parking brake goes through a self-test cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is stopped. Any noises associated with this are normal.

Driving

ergency braking function Emergency braking should only be used in an emergengy, if the standard brake pedal is malfunctioning or obstructed. When the emergency braking function is activated, the braking effect is similar to a heavy braking maneuver.
» Pull and hold the (@) switch while driving.
» An audio warning signal will sound and emergency braking will begin.

» If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency braking will be canceled.

Heavy braking while driving through curves or in poor road or weather conditions can cause the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to swerve, which increases the risk of an accident.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment: RG / Dy Parking brake: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle. See owner's manual EG / Parking brake: malfunction! Please release parking brake If one of the two messages appears, there is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the message appears while stationary, check if the parking brake is released and can be reset. If this is the case, switch the ignition off and back on. If the message stays on, if the parking brake cannot be released, or if the message appears while driving, do not continue driving. Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle page 88. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance. [Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact Service

There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines

and secure it against rolling before exiting the vehicle 2 page 88. ED parking brake: warning! Vehicle position too steep

The braking force may not be enough to secure the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in a place with less of an incline. |. The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake pedal to release the parking brake.

Parking brake: applied

Take over! The vehicle cannot be held in place automatically. Press the brake pedal to secure the vehicle from rolling away unintentionally.

Special driving situations Sporty driving

Applies to: RS models Driving in a sporty style, for example on a driving track, places more stress than usual on all vehicle components, especially the engine/motor, transmission, tires, brakes, and suspension. This type of operation requires additional inspection and maintenance work and may require components. to be replaced earlier than usual. Your vehicle is designed and approved for road use. Therefore, driving on a driving track is only possible for a limited distance. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Have your vehicle inspected there to make sure it is suitable for driving on a track, and make sure you are aware of all current, applicable guidelines. The following are some of the special requirements:

~The boiling point for the brake fluid must be within the tolerance range.

~ New brake pads require a certain break-in period page 97.

~The tires, brake system, brake pads, and brake rotors must be in sound condition.

Driving

On the driving track — Warm up the engine by driving no higher than two-thirds of the maximum permitted engine RPM. The engine oil must be brought to a minimum temperature of 158 °F (70°C).

~ Check the tire pressure when the tires are warm and adjust it if necessary.

If necessary, use the following functions: — PERFORMANCE Audi drive select mode* as

= page 103 = Launch Control * page 92 — Limit ESC = page 107 After driving on a driving track ~ Before parking the vehicle, you should allow

the engine and brakes to cool back down to normal operating temperature by driving more moderately.

= Check the brake pads using a suitable method. Heavy diagonal wear can only be detected by inspecting visually. This is only possible to a limited extent from the outside.

— Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and adjust it if necessary.

— Driving in the threshold range increases the risk of an accident, and therefore requires driving skills suitable for the situation and special care in handling the vehicle, the driving situation, and the risk associated with it.

— Make sure that the vehicle is in sound condition at all times.

—Wear caused by load does not constitute a vehicle fault as defined by the terms of the warranty.

— Anew vehicle must be broken in by driving at least 3,100 miles (5,000 km) before driving on a driving track.

Driving uphill and downhill When driving uphill, downhill, or at high altitudes, note the following information:

~ Drive slowly and carefully. Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely

drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in reverse.

~When driving down hills, you can activate the hill descent control if you press the brake pedal while driving in “D” gear. The automatic transmission will select a gear suitable for driving down the hill and will attempt to maintain the speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent control will switch off once the hill levels out or you press the accelerator pedal.

— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving downhill by selecting the “S” driving program = page 90. This especially applies when towing atrailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.

~ Apply the brakes in intervals and do not press the brake pedal continuously.

— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is designed to handle. Do not exceed the climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle could tip or slide.

= Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you must immediately start steering in the direction of the downward slope to reduce the risk of an accident.

~ Always be ready to brake when using the hill descent control function.

Driving through water If you must drive through water, follow these instructions:

~Check the stability of the ground, the current, and the water depth. If the ground is unstable, there is a strong current, or there are waves, the water must only reach up to the lower edge of the body at the most.

— Deactivate the Start/Stop system’. ~ Drive carefully and no faster than at walking

speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from creating waves, because they could splash

101 >

Driving

above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming vehicles could also create waves.

—Do not stop the vehicle while in the water. = Do not drive in reverse. —Do not turn the engine off.

After driving through water, press the brake pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the full braking effect will be restored.

Vehicle components such as the motor, drive system, suspension, or electrical system can. be severely damaged by driving through water.

If possible, avoid driving through salt water because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use fresh water to clean any vehicle components that come into contact with salt water.


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