Audi A4 Owner's Manual page 236

document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 234 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
234 Towing a trailer
The trailer overrun brake must be set correctly. This is important
to ensure that the trailer can be braked correctly, to avoid the vehicle
and trailer "jack-knifing" and to prevent excess braking of the trailer.
At low outside temperatures, both the towing vehicle and the
trailer should be fitted with winter tyres.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road
and traffic conditions. Do not let the trailer stabilisation system
tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause acci-
dents.
The ESP and trailer stabilisation system cannot defy the laws
of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery
and wet roads and when towing a trailer with a light load.
The trailer stabilisation system is functional, regardless of
whether the trailer has a mechanical overrun brake or not.
The trailer stabilisation system is not always able to detect
swaying of trailers with a light load and will therefore not inter-
vene.
A trailer can still "jack-knife" on slippery roads with little grip,
even if the towing vehicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation
system.
Trailers with a high centre of gravity may even tip over before
they start to sway sideways.
If you are not towing a trailer, but the trailer socket is being
used (e.g. for an illuminated bicycle rack), the trailer stabilisation
system may be activated in extreme driving conditions.
Please note the additional information and warnings
⇒ page 234.
Notes on towing
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.
Weight distribution
Try to avoid towing a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle. If this
cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow for the unbalanced
weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed.
For this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permis-
sible top speed in unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions.
This applies especially on a downhill gradient.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows
the slightest sign of swaying. Never try to stop the swaying by accel-
erating further.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking
that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking. Change down in
good time before going down a steep hill so that you can use the
engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recom-
mend having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a
high trailer weight. They can be purchased and installed at an Audi
dealer.
Overheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running
fast in low gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature
gauge ⇒ page 11. Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to
the top end of the scale. If the temperature warning lamp
instrument cluster should start flashing, stop the car and let the
engine cool down by running it at idling speed for a few minutes.
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