Audi A4: Towing

General information

You should only perform the steps that follow if you have the necessary tools and technical expertise.

Towing requires a certain amount of practice.

Audi recommends contacting a towing company to have the vehicle transported.

You should only have your vehicle towed by another vehicle when disabled in exceptional circumstances.

Inexperienced drivers should not tow.

Notes on towing

When the engine is stopped, the transmission will not be sufficiently lubricated if traveling at high speeds and long distances:

• The maximum permitted towing speed is 30 mph (50 km/h).
• The maximum permitted towing distance is 30 miles (50 km).

Additional information on towing with a tow truck

The vehicle may only be towed with the front axle raised. Do not wrap any chains or cables around the brake lines.

Tow bar and towing cable

The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or towing cable. Both drivers should be familiar with the special considerations when towing, especially when using a towing cable.

Always make sure the traction force does not exceed the permitted level and there are no shock loading conditions. There is always the risk of the coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-road.

For the most safety and security, drive with a tow bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow bar is not available. Use a towing cable made of synthetic elastic cable similar elastic material.

WARNING

• Towing highly increases the risk of an accident, for example from colliding with the towing vehicle.
• To reduce the risk of an accident, do not allow anyone to remain inside the vehicle when it is being transported by a tow truck or a special transporter.

Note

• If normal towing is not possible, for example if the transmission is faulty or if the towing distance is greater than 30 miles (50 km), then transport the vehicle on a special carrier.
• If the vehicle is towed by a tow truck at the axle that is not permitted, this can cause severe damage to the transmission.
• The vehicle must not be tow started for technical reasons.

Tips

• If the power supply is interrupted, then it will not be possible to move the selector lever out of the "P" position. The parking lock must be released using the emergency release before towing the vehicle.
• Switch Audi pre sense* off  when loading the vehicle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or other type of transportation, or when towing the vehicle. This can prevent an undesired intervention from the pre sense* system.
• Follow the local legal regulations for towing.

Towing

Read and follow the important information under.

Preparations

• Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the designated towing loop.
• Make sure the towing cable is not twisted. Otherwise it could disconnect from the towing loop while towing.
• Switch the emergency flashers on in both vehicles. However, do not do this if it prohibited by law.

Towing vehicle (front)

• Only start to drive when the towing cable is taut.
• Press the brake pedal very carefully.
• Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.

Vehicle being towed (rear)

• Make sure the ignition is switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that you can use the turn signals, the horn, and the windshield wipers if needed .
• 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.
• Release the parking brake.
• Select the "N" selector lever position.
• Make sure the towing cable is always taut.

WARNING

• Never tow a vehicle using a tow bar or towing cable if the vehicle does not have electrical power.
• If the vehicle runs out of power while it is being towed, stop towing the vehicle immediately and consult an authorized Audi dealer or qualified repair facility.

Rear towing loop

Fig. 180 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop

The threaded opening for the towing loop is located on the right rear of the bumper.

• Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool kit.
• Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure > fig. 180. The cap will loosen from the bumper.
• Tighten the towing eye as far as it will go into the mount. Use a suitable object to tighten the towing eye completely and securely in the mount.
• After using, place the towing loop back in the vehicle tool kit.

WARNING

If the towing loop is not tightened until it stops when installing, the threads may be pulled out when towing the vehicle and result in an accident.

Tips

Depending on the model, the shape of the cap can vary.

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