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Weight distribution
Towing a loaded trailer with an empty car results
in a highly unstable distribution of weight. If this
cannot be avoided, drive at very low speeds only
to avoid the risk of losing steering control.
A "balanced" rig is eas ier to operate and control.
This means that the tow vehicle should be loaded
to the extent possible and permissible, while
keeping the trailer as light as possible under the
circumstances. Whenever possible, transfer
some cargo to the luggage compartment of the
tow vehicle while observ ing tongue load require-
ments and vehicle loading considerat ions.
Speed
The higher the speed, the more difficult it be-
comes for the driver to contro l the rig. Do not
drive at the maximum permiss ible speed . Reduce
your speed even more if load, weather or wind
conditions are unfavorable - part icularly when
going downhill.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately if the tra iler
shows the slightest sign of swaying. Do not try
to stop the swaying by accelerating.
Observe speed limits . In some areas, speeds for
vehicles towing trai lers are lower than for regular
vehicles.
Always apply brakes early. When driving down-
hill, shift into a lower gear to use the engine
braking effect to slow the vehicle. Use of the
brakes alone can cause them to overheat and fa il.
Coolant temperature
The coolant temperature gauge
r=;, page 10
must
be observed carefully. If the needle moves close
to the upper end of the scale, reduce speed im-
mediately and/or turn off the air conditioner.
If the coolant temperature warning light in the
instrument cluster starts flashing . , pull off
the road, stop and let the engine
idle
for about
two minutes to prevent heat build-up.
A
WARNING
Anyone not properly restrained in a moving
vehicle is at a much greater risk in an acci-
-
Trailer
mode
dent. Never let anyone ride in your car who is
not properly wear ing the restraints provided
by Audi.
Trailer
mode
notes
Important to know
Your vehicle handles differently when towing a
t railer because of the additional weight and dif-
ferent weight distribution. Safety, performance
and economy will greatly depend on how carefu l-
ly you load your trai ler and operate your rig.
Before you actually tow your trailer, practice
tu rning, stopping and backing up in an area away
from traffic. Keep practicing until you have be-
come comp lete ly familiar with the way your vehi-
cle-tra iler combination behaves and responds.
Backing up is difficult and requires practice.
Backing up with a t railer generally requires steer-
ing action opposite to that when backing up your
vehicle without a trailer.
Maintain a greater distance between your vehicle
and the one in front of you. You will need more
room to stop. To compensate for the trailer, you
will need a larger than normal turning radius.
When passing, remember that you cannot accel-
erate as fast as you normally would because of
the added load. Make sure you have enough room
to pass. After passing, allow plenty of room for
your trailer before changing lanes again.
Avoid jerky starts, sharp turns or rapid lane
changes.
(D
Tips
- Do not tow a trailer during the break-in peri-
od of your vehicle.
- If you tow a trailer, your Audi may requ ire
more frequent maintenance due to the ex-
tra load
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280.
205
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