Audi TT 2012 Owner's Manual page 112

220 Tires and wheels
CD
Note
Run-flat tires have special characteristics
and requirements, that are very different
from conventional tires. Run-flat tires re-
quire special rims for run-flat use and can-
not be used on conventional wheel ri ms.
Tips
- Ifyou are not able to continue driving
with run-flat tires, please seek professio-
nal assistance.
- Please contact your authorized Audi
dealer or Audi of America, Inc. if you
have questions about tires and ri ms.
Driving with run-flat tires
Applies ta vehicles: with Run-flat tires
Handling characteristics change when tire
pressure is law.
Driving on tires with low tire pressure changes
the way a vehicle handles, particularLy when
cornering and braking. The handling charac-
teristics of run-flat tires do not seem to
change a lot Even when driving on low pres-
sure or in the run-fLat mode. Nevertheless you
must still take special precautions when oper-
ating a vehicle on run-flat tires when tire pres-
sure is Low or the tirets) is flat:
~
The Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP)
must be switched on.
~ Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/hl
q.&..
~ Plan ahead when driving and anticipate
what you wilL have to do considering traffic
and road conditions up ahead.
~ Accelerate carefully.
~
Avoid unnecessary and sudden steering and
braking maneuvers.
~
Reduce your speed in plenty of time before
intersections, curves and other places where
you may have to react quickly.
Please see:
q
page 219, When itis nat possi-
bLe ta continue driving, Even with run-fLat
tires?
Handling characteristics change when
driving with low air pressure or with flat
tires even with special run-flat tires
A low pressure or flat front tire affects vehicle
handling characteristics by pulling the vehicle
slightly to the side where the tire is mounted
and reduces braking performance.
A low pressure or fLat rear tire also affects
driving characteristics by pulling to the side
where the tire is mounted and also reduces
braking performance. The effect on vehicle
handling is most noticeable when driving
around curves.
.&..
WARNING
Changed vehicle handling characteristics
when driving in the run-flat mode can
cause loss of vehicle control, a crash and
serious personal injury.
- Driving on special run-flat tires in the
run-flat mode will change vehicle han-
dling characteristics during braking,
when cornering and under heavy acceler-
ation.
- Never drive faster than the maximum
rated speed of 50 mph (80 km/hl when
driving in the run-flat mode.
- Always adjust vehicle speed to traffic,
road and weather cond itions and drive
slower than the maximum rated speed if
necessary weather
a~road
conditions
are taken into account.
- Always obey speed limits and other traf-
fic laws.
CD
Note
We always recommend driving with Even
more care when using these special tires in
the run-flat mode. Always avoid sudden
maneuvers.
Replacing run-flat tires and rims
APplies ta vehlcles: wlth Run-flat tires
your vehicLe was especiaLLy designed ta use
speciaL run-fLat tires.
Vou may use and combine only approved run-
fIat tires and special matching rims that have
been designed for run-flat tires. Mounting
special run-flat tires on standard wheels wilL
not work and will not provide the advantages
fo the run-falt feature. Never use special run-
flat tires on standard wheel rims.
After driving with a tire in the run-flat mode,
always have the vehicle and affected tirets)
and rimes) inspected by an authorized Audi
dealer. Tires that have been driven in the run-
flat mode must be replaced.
fb
WARNING
Use of damaged run-flat tires and rims can
cause vehicle damage that can Lead to loss
ofvehicle control, a crash and serious per-
sonal injury.
- Always have the vehicle and affected
tirets) and rimes) inspected by an author-
ized Audi dealer after driving a tire in the
run-flat mode.
- Tires that have been driven in the run-
flat mode must be replaced.
Tires and wheels