Economically and environmentally optimal driving
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution, engine, brake and tire wear depend on various factors.
Driving style largely determines economy, emissions and noise levels.
Do not warm up the engine at idle.
Warming up at idle takes a lot of time. And it is at the warm-up stage that the intensity of engine wear and the level of toxicity of emissions are especially high. Therefore, as soon as the engine starts, immediately start moving, while avoiding increased speed.
Avoid accelerating with the accelerator pedal fully depressed.
By precisely dosing the pressure on the pedal, it is possible to significantly reduce fuel consumption, while reducing environmental pollution and the intensity of wear of rubbing parts.
When driving, avoid needlessly high speeds. Upshift as soon as possible, and downshift only when the engine would be affected without it.
For example, fuel consumption in 2nd gear is more than double that of driving in the highest gear. At the same time, by reducing the engine speed, the level of its noise is reduced.
If possible, do not bring the speed to the maximum.
As speed increases, there is a disproportionate increase in fuel consumption, emissions and noise levels.
The movement should be as uniform as possible, based on the ability to anticipate the situation on the road.
Useless maneuvering with acceleration and deceleration is paid for by increased fuel consumption and environmental pollution.
Shut off the engine during delays due to traffic conditions.
Specific operating conditions also affect fuel consumption.
Unfavorable in terms of fuel consumption, for example, the following situations:
High traffic intensity, especially on the streets of large cities, with numerous traffic lights.
Driving with frequent stops, starting and warming up the engine before each next exit.
Movement in a column in low gears, with a relatively large number of engine revolutions per unit of distance traveled.
When planning your trips in advance, avoid stop-and-go traffic, convoy traffic, etc. if possible. situations.
Of course, fuel consumption also depends on factors that the driver cannot influence. It is normal, for example, if the consumption increases in winter or when operating in difficult conditions (poor condition of the roadway, driving with a trailer, etc.).
Specifications
economical fuel consumption and economy are built into the car during its development and manufacture. Particular importance was attached to reducing environmental pollution. For optimal implementation and preservation of these qualities, follow the recommendations below:
Carry out routine maintenance according to the maintenance plan
Maintenance according to the plan guarantees not only constant availability, but also economy, pollution reduction and durability.
Check tire pressure every 4 weeks.
When the pressure drops below normal, the rolling resistance increases. As a result, not only fuel consumption increases, but tire wear also accelerates. At the same time, the dynamic properties of the car deteriorate.
Do not carry useless ballast in the trunk.
Especially when driving in the city, if frequent conversations are necessary, the weight of the car significantly affects fuel consumption.
Remove the roof rack immediately after use.
Especially at high speeds, fuel consumption increases due to an increase in aerodynamic drag.
Switch on current consumers only if it is really necessary.
Heated rear window, extra lights, heater fan and air conditioning* have a significant power consumption. A corresponding increase in load on the generator increases fuel consumption.
Monitor your fuel consumption regularly.
Check the fuel consumption at every refueling. This will allow you to timely identify problems leading to its overrun.
Check oil level when filling.
Oil consumption largely depends on the load and engine speed.
It is possible to reliably judge oil consumption only after the first 5000 km run.
This also applies to fuel consumption and engine power.
The normal operation of the catalytic converter of the exhaust gases is a decisive condition for the operation of the vehicle.
Therefore, the following rules must be observed:
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only be fueled with unleaded fuel.
Even a one-time refueling with leaded gasoline leads to a deterioration in the performance of the converter.
If the vehicle has been driven on unleaded fuel, be sure to replace the catalytic converter.
Never burn fuel to an empty tank on a vehicle with a catalytic converter.
Fuel failure can lead to misfiring. Because of this, unburned fuel enters the exhaust system. This can lead to overheating and damage to the catalytic converter.
If misfires, loss of power and uneven engine operation occur while driving, a malfunction in the ignition system may be the cause. In this case, unburned fuel can enter the exhaust system, and from there into the atmosphere. In addition, the catalytic converter can fail from overheating. Reduce speed immediately and have the problem repaired at the nearest Audi workshop.
Do not pour oil into the engine above the maximum mark.
Do not tow the vehicle to start the engine over a distance of more than 50 m.
When leaving the car in the parking lot, remember the following:
Warning: Because the catalytic converter gets hot, do not park the vehicle on dry leaves or other flammable materials.
Driving on bad roads
To avoid damage to your vehicle, remember the following:
When driving onto a platform, a curb, driving on bad roads, etc. make sure that the components and parts located under the bottom, for example, the spoiler and the exhaust pipe, are not damaged.
This applies especially to vehicles with low suspension (sports option) and when the vehicle is fully loaded.
Braking
New brake pads have to run in and therefore do not provide optimal braking for the first 400 km after replacement. The decrease in braking efficiency is compensated by a corresponding increase in the effort on the brake pedal.
During the break-in period, avoid heavy braking, especially at very high speeds, and braking on steep inclines and descents (for example, passes).
Under certain operating conditions, such as after driving through water, in heavy rain or after washing, the braking effect may be reduced due to moisture, and in winter even icing of the brake pads or discs may occur. In this case, dry the brakes by light braking. A decrease in the braking effect is also possible after a long break in the use of the brakes when driving on roads sprinkled with salt. First of all, remove the layer of salt from the brake discs and pads by light braking.
The appearance of corrosion of the brake discs and contamination of the linings contributes to a long idle period of the car, low mileage and low loads of the brake system.
In case of prolonged low load of the brake system, as well as in the event of corrosion, in order to restore the smooth operation of the brakes, it is recommended to clean the brake discs and pads by sufficiently strong repeated braking at an average vehicle speed.
Apply this braking only under favorable road conditions and on the condition that it will not endanger other road users.
A sudden increase in the brake pedal stroke is possible if one of the circuits of the dual-circuit brake system fails. In this case, drive slowly to the nearest Audi workshop, taking into account the increased effort on the brake pedal and the braking distance.
Check the brake fluid level regularly.
A drop in the fluid level below the norm is signaled by the ignition of the brake system warning lamp or the indication of the vehicle's malfunction monitoring system * (refer to subsection Control and measuring devices. Warning and diagnostic systems).
Brake booster
The brake booster operates only when there is a vacuum created by a running engine. Therefore, never coast the vehicle with the engine off.
When the brake booster does not work, for example, because it is damaged or the car needs to be towed, then the force on the brake pedal must be much greater in order to compensate for the missing boost effect.
Use of additional mats under the driver's feet
Nothing should ever interfere with the use of the pedals. Therefore, objects under the feet that can slip under the pedals should not be placed.
If the brake system malfunctions, it may be necessary to increase the pedal travel for braking.
At any time, it must be possible to depress the clutch and accelerator pedals to the stop.
It must be guaranteed that all pedals can return to their original position without hindrance.
In the area of the pedals there should also be no foot mats and other additional objects covering the floor.
Therefore, only mats that do not go into the pedal area and that can be fixed to prevent them from moving are allowed to be used.
Warning: Under no circumstances should objects be left in the footwell, as during sudden maneuvering or braking they may fall into the pedal area and you will not be able to manipulate the brake, clutch or accelerator pedals!
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS contributes significantly to improving vehicle safety performance. The decisive advantage of an ABS braking system compared to a conventional braking system is that the wheels do not lock even during emergency braking on slippery roads. Thanks to this, the controllability and stability of the car is maintained to the maximum extent.
However, you cannot count on the fact that thanks to ABS, the braking distance will be shorter under all circumstances. When driving on gravel or fresh snow lying on top of a slippery road, when it is already necessary to drive extremely carefully and at a minimum speed, the braking distance may even increase slightly.
How ABS works
When the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 6 km/h, an automatic control process takes place. In this case, you can hear the noise of the pump.
When a wheel tends to lock up, the pressure in the brake actuator of that wheel is reduced. This regulation process is noticeable by the pulsation of the brake pedal and is accompanied by characteristic noise manifestations. Thus, the driver is specially given a warning signal about the operation of one or more wheels in a mode close to skidding. In this mode, in order to obtain the optimum control effect of the ABS, keep the brake pedal depressed and under no circumstances brake in several strokes!
Warning: No ABS can go beyond what is physically possible. Take this into account, especially on slippery or wet roads. At the first sign of wheel slip, immediately slow down according to traffic conditions.
An increased degree of safety should not provoke a dangerous risk.
A malfunction of the anti-lock brake system is signaled by a warning lamp - refer to subsection Control and measuring devices. Warning and diagnostic systems.
Electronic differential lock (EDS) *
EDS works in conjunction with ABS. EDS operates in automatic mode - i.e. without the participation of the driver.
With the help of ABS sensors, the revolutions of the driving wheels are monitored up to a speed of about 40 km / h (front-wheel drive) or 80 km/h (four-wheel drive).
ABS slows down spinning wheels (e.g. on a slippery road), and more torque is transmitted to the wheels with better traction.
You must adhere to the following recommendations:
When starting off, depress the accelerator pedal according to road conditions. When a wheel slips (e.g. one wheel on ice) depress the accelerator pedal so that the car moves off.
When accelerating on a road that is equally slippery across the entire width, for example, in ice and snow, carefully press the accelerator pedal. Particularly on front-wheel drive vehicles, there is a risk that the drive wheels will spin despite EDS and thereby impair driving stability.
The EDS is switched off for a short time to prevent the braking wheel's disc brake from overheating under unusually high loads. At the same time, the vehicle is ready for operation and has the same dynamic properties as a vehicle without EDS.
Warning: The driving mode must correspond to the state of the roadway and the traffic situation. Increased traffic safety due to EDS must not lead to dangerous risks!
Anti-slip system (ASR) *
ASR prevents the drive wheels from slipping when starting off and accelerating by reducing engine torque.
ASR works in conjunction with ABS throughout the entire speed range. If the ABS is faulty, the ASR will not work either.
ASR turns on automatically when the engine is started. If necessary, it can be turned on and off by pressing the key in the row of switches - refer to subsection Breakers and switches.
When the system is off, the ASR warning lamp is on. Refer to subsection Control and measuring devices. Warning and diagnostic systems.
Normally ASR should always be enabled. Only in certain, exceptional cases, if slippage is necessary, it should be disabled, namely:
- when driving with the emergency wheel installed*
- when driving with snow chains
- when driving on deep snow or loose ground
- when trying to roll out after a jam, as well as
- when entering slopes with extremely different degrees of grip of the drive wheels (for example, ice under the left wheel, dry asphalt under the right).
After that, turn on the device again.
Warning: The driving mode must correspond to the state of the roadway and the traffic situation. The increased degree of traffic safety due to ASR must not provoke a dangerous risk!
Warning: A condition for the smooth operation of the ASR is the installation of identical tires on all four wheels of the vehicle. The use of different tires can lead to a decrease in engine power.
Electronic stability program (ESP) *
ESP improves the control of vehicle dynamics in extraordinary situations, such as when accelerating and cornering.
ESP extends the functions of ABS / ASR and reduces the risk of skidding under all driving conditions. This improves the vehicle's stability while driving.
ESP works in conjunction with ABS throughout the entire speed range. If the ABS fails, the ESP will not work either.
ESP turns on automatically when the engine is started and conducts a self-diagnosis.
If necessary, ESP can be turned on and off by pressing the key (ESP).
At the disconnected ESP its control lamp burns. Refer to subsection Control and measuring devices. Warning and diagnostic systems.
Normally, ESP should always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional cases, if slippage is necessary, should it be disabled, namely:
- when driving on deep snow or loose ground
- when trying to get out of the buildup after getting stuck.
Then turn ESP back on.
When ESP is disabled, ABS and EDS remain in working mode.
Operating principle
The Electronic Stability Program includes ABS, EDS and ASR. Along with the data obtained during the operation of these devices, the ESP control device needs additional parameters obtained using highly sensitive sensors. The speed of rotation of the car around its vertical axis, lateral acceleration, pressure in the brake drive system and the angle of rotation of the steered wheels are measured.
The driving direction intention of the driver is determined from the steering angle and vehicle speed and is continuously compared with the actual vehicle behavior. In the event of discrepancies, such as when the car begins to skid, ESP automatically brakes the corresponding wheel.
As a result of the effect on the wheel during braking, effective forces stabilize the car. With a tendency to skid the rear axle of the car, the effect of the braking force is mainly on the outer front wheel in relation to the center of rotation. When the front of the vehicle tends to skid, the rear wheel closest to the center of the turn is braked. ESP operation is accompanied by noise.
Warning: No ESP can go beyond what is physically possible. Keep this in mind, especially on slippery or wet roads.
The driving mode must correspond to the condition of the carriageway and the traffic situation. The increased degree of safety due to ESP must not provoke a dangerous risk!
Four-wheel drive (quattro) *
All-wheel drive of your car works in automatic mode.
The torque is distributed automatically, optimally adapted to the vehicle's driving dynamics and specific road conditions.
Thanks to the all-wheel drive layout, designed with high engine power in mind, your Audi is an extremely efficient vehicle with excellent driving characteristics, both in normal road conditions and in extreme conditions, in snow or ice.
Be sure to observe the following safety rules:
Warning: The driving mode must correspond to the condition of the roadway and the specific traffic situation. The increased degree of safety, models with all-wheel drive and ABS, should not provoke a dangerous risk!
Braking capacity is limited by tire grip and is no different from the braking capacity of a two-wheel drive vehicle.
Therefore, the high dynamics of acceleration, which remains even on slippery surfaces, should never provoke the abuse of high speeds.
When driving on wet roads, be aware that float may occur if the speed is too high (hydroplaning) front wheels. At the same time, unlike front-wheel drive cars, the beginning of the ascent is not characterized by a sudden increase in engine speed. Therefore, avoid too high speeds, choosing them according to specific road conditions.
Driving on dirt roads
Audi is not a cross-country vehicle. The ground clearance is too low for this.
Winter tires
All-wheel drive vehicles even with serial tires in winter conditions have good traction and dynamic qualities. However, for better driving performance and better braking performance, fit all four wheels with winter tires or all-weather tires. See also the subsection Check the condition of the tires and the pressure in them. Designation of tires and wheel rims.
Application of snow chains
The rules requiring the mandatory use of snow chains also apply to all-wheel drive vehicles. For more information on the use of snow chains, see the subsection Rotation and replacement of wheels. Anti-skid chains.
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