Audi A4 Owners Manual
Care of interiorGeneral maintenance / Care of vehicle and cleaning / Care of interior
Sound system / MMI* display screen and MMI control console*
The display screen can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a special “LCD cleaner” (available from retailers of electrical goods). Moisten the cloth with a small amount of the cleaning fluid.
Clean the MMI control console with a fine brush first to prevent any dirt from getting in between the control buttons and the housing. We then recommend wiping the MMI control console using a cloth moistened with washing-up liquid and water.
Caution
To avoid scratching the screen, do not wipe the display with a dry cloth.
• To avoid any possibility of damage, do not let any liquid get inside the control console.
Plastic parts and leatherette
Plastic parts and leatherette can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If this is not sufficient, plastic parts and leatherette should only be treated with a special solvent-free plastic cleaner.
Textile covers and trim parts
Textile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door trim) should be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner. This will remove surface dirt which could otherwise be rubbed into the textile material during use. Do not use steam cleaners, as the steam could carry the dirt deeper into the textile material.
Normal cleaning
We recommend that you use a soft sponge or lint-free, micro-fibre cloth for normal cleaning. Only use brushes on floor coverings and mats, as other textile surfaces could become damaged.
In the case of normal surface dirt you can use a foam cleaner. Use a sponge to spread the foam on the textile surface and to work it into the material lightly. However, make sure that the textile material does not become soaking wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and absorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-fibre cloth) and vacuum off any residue once the surface is completely dry.
Removal of stains
To treat stains caused by spilled drinks (coffee, fruit juice or similar) make up a solution with a mild detergent for sensitive fabrics and apply it with a sponge. If the stains are difficult to remove, a washing paste can be applied directly onto the stain and worked into the fabric. The surface will then have to be wiped with clear water to remove any residue left by the paste. To do so, use a damp cloth or sponge and then dab the stain with an absorbent cloth.
Treat chocolate or make-up stains with a washing paste and then rinse off with water (using a damp sponge).
A spirit-based cleaner can be used to remove grease, oil, lipstick or ball point pen. Then dab the dissolved grease or colour particles off with an absorbent cloth or similar. You may also have to treat the stain once more using washing paste and water.
If the covers or textile trim panels are badly soiled we recommend that you have them cleaned by a professional cleaning company.
Note
Please make sure you close any velcro fasteners on your clothing, as these could otherwise damage the upholstery.
Natural leather
Audi does everything possible to preserve the special qualities of leather as a natural product.
General notes
We have a wide selection of leathers. The main type used is nappa in various forms, that is leather with a smooth surface in a selection of colours.
The amount of dye used determines the appearance and properties of leather. If the leather is left in a more natural state, it retains its typical natural appearance and is pleasant and comfortable for the seat occupants. Fine veins, healed scars, insect bites, wrinkles and a subtle variation in shading remain visible; these are the characteristic features of genuine natural leather.
Natural napped leather does not have a protective surface coating of dye. It is therefore somewhat more prone to damage. You should bear this in mind if children or pets often travel in the car, or if there are other factors that could lead to damage.
Types of leather with a coloured surface coating are likely to be more resistant to damage. This has a great advantage for day-to-day use. However, this means that the typical natural characteristics of the surface are less apparent, though this does not affect quality.
Cleaning and care
Because of the natural properties of the specially selected hides employed, the finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease and dirt, etc. so a degree of care is required in everyday use and when looking after the leather. Dark clothing (especially if damp or incorrectly dyed) may stain leather upholstery. Dust and grit in the pores and seams can have an abrasive effect and damage the surface of the leather. Therefore leather should be cleaned at regular intervals, depending on the actual amount of use. When they have been in use for a certain time, your car seats will acquire a typical and distinctive patina. This is characteristic for real leather upholstery, and is a sign of genuine quality.
To maintain the value of natural leather you should note the following points:
Caution
- • Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight for long periods, otherwise it may tend to lose some of its colour. If the car is left for a prolonged period in the bright sun, it is best to cover the leather.
- • Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as belts, zip fasteners, rivets or similar, can also leave permanent scratches and rough marks on the surface of the leather.
Note
- • Use a suitable impregnating cream with ultra-violet protection at regular intervals and after cleaning. This cream will nourish and moisturise the leather, keep it supple and able to breathe. In addition, it will also help to protect the surface of the leather.
- • Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and remove fresh dirt as necessary.
- • Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe cream and similar stains as soon as possible.
- • Preserve the colour of the leather. A special coloured cream will renew the colour of the leather when required and will eliminate differences in colour.
Cleaning and care of leather upholstery
Natural leather requires an extra degree of attention and care.
Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe over the leather surfaces.
More stubborn dirt
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap solution (pure liquid soap:
two tablespoons dissolved in one litre of water).
– It is very important not to let the water soak through the leather or penetrate
into the seams.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Removal of stains
– Remove fresh water-based stains such as coffee, tea, juices, blood etc. with
an absorbent cloth or kitchen roll, dried-on stains with the cleaning agent from
the care set.
– Remove fresh fat-based stains on the surface such as butter, mayonnaise, chocolate,
etc. with an absorbent cloth or kitchen roll or with the cleaning agent from the
care set.
– Treat fat-based, dried-in stains with grease-dissolving spray.
– Treat less common stains such as ball-pen and other inks, felt-tip pens, nail
polish, dispersion paint, shoe cream etc. with a special leather stain remover.
Leather care products
– The leather should be treated regularly (about twice a year) with a special
leather-care product.
– Apply the cream very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Should you have any questions regarding the care and cleaning of the leather upholstery in your vehicle, we recommend that you contact your Audi dealer. The staff there will gladly provide you with further information on cleaning and care of your upholstery and on our complete range of leather care products:
- • Cleaning and care set
- • Coloured leather-care cream
- • Stain remover for ball-pen inks, shoe cream etc.
- • Grease dissolving spray
- • New products and further developments
Caution
On no account use solvents (such as petrol, turpentine), wax polish, shoe cream or similar materials.
Cleaning Alcantara
Removing dust and dirt
– Moisten a cloth just a little and wipe down the seat covers.
Removing stains
– Moisten a cloth with lukewarm water or diluted methylated spirits.
– Dab at the stain. Start at the outside and work inwards.
– Dry the area you have cleaned with a soft cloth.
Do not use leather cleaning products on Alcantara seat covers.
You may use a suitable shampoo on dust and dirt.
Dust and grit in the pores and seams can have an abrasive effect and damage the surface of the leather. If the car is left standing in the sun for long periods, the leather should be protected against direct sunlight to prevent it from fading. However, slight colour variations will arise in normal use.
Caution
- • Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers, leather cleaning products or any similar products on Alcantara.
- • To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a qualified workshop.
- • On no account use brushes, hard sponges or similar utensils.
Seat belts
Seat belts should be looked after properly to ensure that they give the full protection.
– Keep the seat belts clean.
– For cleaning, use a mild soap solution.
– Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals.
Very dirty belts may not retract properly.
Make sure that the inertia reel seat belts are completely dry before allowing them to retract.
Caution
- • Do not remove the seat belts from the vehicle to clean them.
- • Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this can damage the webbing. Ensure that the belts do not come into contact with corrosive fluids.
- • If you find any damage to the belt webbing, belt fittings, the belt retractor or the buckle, the belt in question must be replaced by a qualified workshop.
