Audi S5 Owner's Manual page 239

document_0900452a81793dcc.book Seite 237 Mittwoch, 21. März 2007 5:42 17
In winter road conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the
car's handling. Due to their type of construction (width, rubber
compound, tread pattern), summer tyres give less grip on ice and
snow. This applies particularly to vehicles equipped with wide
section tyres or high speed tyres (code letters H, V or Y on the side-
wall).
Only use winter tyres of the correct type approved for your vehicle.
The sizes of the winter tyres approved for your vehicle are listed in
the vehicle's documents (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or COC
6)
document ). The vehicle documents vary depending on the
country of residence. Also refer to ⇒ page 234.
Winter tyres are no longer fully effective when the tread is worn
down to a depth of 4 mm.
The performance of winter tyres is also severely impaired by ageing,
even if the tread is still much deeper than 4 mm.
Winter tyres are subject to the following maximum speed limits
according to speed rating code letter: ⇒
Speed rating code letter Maximum speed limit
⇒ page 234
Q 160 km/h
S 180 km/h
T 190 km/h
H 210 km/h
V 240 km/h
(note restrictions)
In Germany vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds must have
an appropriate sticker attached so it is visible to the driver. Suitable
stickers are available from Audi dealers and specialist retailers.
Please note regulations to this effect in your country.
6)
COC = certificate of conformity
Controls
"All-weather" tyres can also be used instead of winter tyres.
Using winter tyres with V-rating
Please note that the generally applicable 240 km/h speed rating for
winter tyres with the letter "V" is subject to technical restrictions;
the maximum permissible speed for your vehicle may be signifi-
cantly lower. The maximum speed limit for tyres with a V-rating
depends directly on the maximum axle weights for your car and on
the listed weight rating of the tyres being used.
It is best to contact an Audi dealer to check the maximum speed
which is permissible for the V-rated tyres fitted on your car on the
basis of this information.
Exceeding the maximum speed permitted for the winter tyres
fitted on your car can cause tyre failure, resulting in a loss of
control of the vehicle – risk of accident.
Summer tyres should be fitted again as soon as possible; they give
better handling on roads which are free of snow and ice. Summer
tyres produce less rolling noise, do not wear down as quickly and,
most importantly, reduce fuel consumption.
Snow chains
Snow chains will improve the vehicle's handling on snow-
covered roads.
– Snow chains can be used on the front wheels only.
– Keep your speed below 50 km/h.
Snow chains will improve braking ability as well as traction in winter
conditions.
Safety Driving tips General maintenance
Wheels and tyres
WARNING
For the sake of the environment
Self-help
237
Technical data