Audi A4: New tires or wheels

Audi recommends having all work on tires or wheels performed by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.

These facilities have the proper knowledge and are equipped with the required tools and replacement parts.

• New tires do not yet have the optimal gripping properties.

  Drive carefully and at moderate speeds for the first 350 miles (500 km) with new tires.

• Only use tires with the same design, size (rolling circumference), and as close to the same tread pattern as possible on all four wheels.
• Do not replace tires individually.

  At least replace both tires on the same axle at the same time.

• Audi recommends using Audi Genuine Tires. If you would like to use different tires, please note that the tires may perform differently even if they are the same size.
• If you would like to equip your vehicle with a tire and rim combination that is different from what was installed at the factory, consult with an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility before making a purchase.

Because the spare tire is different from the regular tires installed on the vehicle (such as winter tires or wide tires), only use the spare tire* temporarily in case of emergency and drive carefully while it is in use. It should be replaced with a regular tire as soon as possible.

Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive: All four wheels must be equipped with tires that are the same brand and have the same construction and tread pattern so that the drive system is not damaged by different wheel speeds.

For this reason, in case of emergency, only use a spare tire* that is the same circumference as the regular tires.

WARNING

• Do not use steel rims that are 17 inches or larger. Otherwise, damage to the vehicle and an accident could result.
• Only use tire/rim combinations and suitable wheel bolts that have been approved by Audi. Otherwise, damage to the vehicle and an accident could result.
• For technical reasons, it is not possible to use tires from other vehicles. In some cases, you cannot even use tires from the same vehicle model.
• Make sure that the tires you select have enough clearance to the vehicle. Replacement tires should not be chosen simply based on the nominal size, because tires with a different construction can differ greatly even if they are the same size. If there is not enough clearance, the tires or the vehicle can be damaged and this can reduce driving safety and increase the risk of an accident.
• Only use tires that are more than six years old when absolutely necessary and drive carefully when doing so.
• Do not use run-flat tires on your vehicle. Using them when not permitted can lead to vehicle damage or accidents.
• If you install wheel covers on the vehicle, make sure they allow enough air circulation to cool the brake system. If they do not, this could increase the risk of an accident.
• Mounting a tire on the rim incorrectly can result in tire damage or failure. To reduce the risk of an accident, only trained personnel may mount a tire on the rim.

Tire wear and damage

Fig. 165 Tire profile: treadwear indicator

Tire wear

Check the tires regularly for wear.

• Inflation pressure that is too low or high can increase tire wear considerably.
• Driving quickly through curves, rapid acceleration, and heavy braking increase tire wear.
• Have an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility check the wheel alignment if there is unusual wear.
• Have the wheels rebalanced if an imbalance is causing noticeable vibration in the steering wheel.

  If you do not, the tires and other vehicle components could wear more quickly.

Treadwear indicator

Original equipment tires contain treadwear indicators in the tread pattern, which are bars that are 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) high and are spaced evenly around the tire perpendicular to the running direction > fig. 165. The letters "TWI" or triangles on the tire sidewall indicate the location of the treadwear indicators.

The tires have reached the minimum tread depth when they have worn down to the treadwear indicators. Replace the tires with new ones.

Tire rotation

Rotating the tires regularly is recommended to ensure the tires wear evenly. To rotate the tires, install the tires from the rear axle on the front axle and vice versa.

This will allow the tires to have approximately the same length of service life.

For unidirectional tires, make sure the tires are installed according to the running direction indicated on the tire sidewall.

Hidden damage

Damage to tires and rims can often occur in locations that are hidden. Unusual vibrations in the vehicle or pulling to one side may indicate that there is tire damage.

Reduce your speed immediately.

Check the tires for damage. If no damage is visible from the outside, drive slowly and carefully to the nearest authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the vehicle inspected.

WARNING

Tread that has worn too low or uneven tread depths on the tires can reduce driving safety.

This can increase the risk of an accident because it has a negative effect on handling, driving through curves, and braking, and because it increases the risk of hydroplaning when driving through deep puddles.

Tire pressure

Fig. 166 Driver's side B-pillar: tire pressure label

Fig. 167 Tire pressure label

The correct tire pressure for tires installed at the factory is listed on a label. The label is located on the B-pillar (driver's side) > fig. 166, > fig. 167. The location may vary depending on the model.

Use the tire pressure specified for a normal vehicle load when the vehicle is partially loaded > table. If driving the vehicle when fully loaded, you must increase the tire pressure to the maximum specified pressure.

Checking and correcting tire pressure

• Check the tire pressure at least once per month and also check it before every long drive.
• Always check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Do not reduce the pressure if it increases when the tires are warm.
• Refer to the sticker > fig. 167 for the correct tire pressure.
• Correct the tire pressure if necessary.
• Save the changed tire pressure.
• Check the pressure in the spare tire (compact spare tire)*. Always maintain the maximum temperature that is specified for the tire.

WARNING

Always adapt the tire pressure to your driving style and the vehicle load.

• Overloading can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of an accident. Read and follow the important safety precautions.
• The tire must flex more if the tire pressure is too low or if the vehicle speed or load are too high. This heats the tire up too much. This increases the risk of an accident because it can cause the tire to burst and result in loss of vehicle control.
• Incorrect tire pressure increases tire wear and has a negative effect on driving and braking behavior, which increases the risk of an accident.

Note

Replace lost valve caps to reduce the risk of damage to the tire valves.

For the sake of the environment

Tire pressure that is too low increases fuel consumption.

Tire pressure table

Please note that the information contained in the following table was correct at the time of printing, and the information is subject to change. If there are any differences, you should always follow the tire pressure sticker fig. 166.

Make sure that the tire designation on your tire matches the designation on the tire pressure label and the tire pressure table.

The following table lists recommended tire pressures in cold tires according to the load and the size of the tires installed.

^a) Two people in the front, one person in the rear

WARNING

Please note the important safety precautions regarding tire pressure and load limits.

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