Audi A4 Owners Manual
Run flat tyresGeneral maintenance / Wheels and tyres / Run flat tyres
Introduction
Run flat tyres allow you to continue your journey in the event of a loss of tyre pressure.
Run flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls which support the tyre in the event of a loss of pressure.
Run flat tyres must only be used on vehicles which were already factory-fitted with these tyres and which also have a tyre pressure monitoring system*.
Run flat tyres can be identified by the marking “RSC” (Runflat System Component) on the sidewall.
If you change the tyres on your vehicle from regular tyres to run flat tyres or vice-versa, the control unit must be reprogrammed by an Audi dealer or other qualified workshop.
What are the benefits of run flat tyres?
Run flat tyres ensure that you remain mobile, even in the event of a loss of
tyre pressure. In favourable conditions these tyres have an operating range of at
least 30 km, however the vehicle must not be driven faster than 80 km/h ⇒
The tyre pressures are constantly checked by the tyre pressure monitoring system. When the run flat system becomes active (centre display), it is still the driver's responsibility to check the tyre(s) affected and to decide whether it is possible to continue driving. Also refer to, “Driving with run flat tyres”.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving with the help of the run flat tyres?
• If the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) is out of operation or is triggered
continuously.
• If the tyre pressure monitoring system is out of operation.
• If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a tyre has
been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be thrown off and
cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.
• You must stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel starts overheating
and gives off smoke.
• You must also stop driving if damage to the tyres (e.g. tears in the sidewalls)
becomes apparent.
WARNING
Please ask your Audi dealer or qualified workshop whether run flat tyres can be used on your vehicle. Unauthorised use of these tyres can invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.
Furthermore, this could cause damage to your vehicle and possibly also result in an accident.
Note
- • If you cannot continue driving even with run flat tyres please obtain professional assistance.
- • You should obtain professional assistance if you are in any doubt regarding the rims and tyres for your vehicle.
Driving with run flat tyres
Please remember that the vehicle's handling will be impaired.
Driving a vehicle with a deflated tyre, or with insufficient tyre pressure, is an abnormal situation. However, since the handling of a vehicle equipped with run flat tyres is only slightly impaired, it is important to remember that you are driving with a deflated tyre. If you have to make use of the run flat system please remember the following points:
– The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) must be switched on.
– Do not exceed 80km/h ⇒ .
– Be careful when accelerating.
– Avoid unnecessary braking and steering manoeuvres.
– Reduce speed in good time before corners and potential hazards.
Please refer to, “When is it no longer possible to continue driving with the help of the run flat tyres?”
Effects on handling when driving with defective tyres
If one of the front tyres is defective, your vehicle will tend to pull slightly towards that side and braking performance will be impaired.
A defective rear tyre will also make the vehicle pull slightly to one side, and the braking response will again be slightly impaired. These effects will be most noticeable when driving in a corner.
WARNING
- • When using the run flat system the changes in vehicle handling will be noticeable when braking, in corners and during fast acceleration.
- • The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road and weather conditions. Always observe the relevant rules and regulations. Run flat tyres allow you to continue your journey in the event of a loss of tyre pressure. However, the driver remains responsible for the safety of the vehicle and for restoring the correct tyre pressure and having defective parts replacedgggggg 276. For these reasons you should always adjust your driving to suit the circumstances.
Caution
We recommend that you drive with great care when making use of the run flat system. Avoid abrupt manoeuvres.
Renewing defective components on run flat tyres
The run flat tyres have been specially developed for your vehicle and matched to its requirements.
Use and combine only the approved run flat tyres and rims. It is not permissible
to combine standard wheels and run flat tyres ⇒
.
If you have to drive with low tyre pressure or with a completely deflated tyre, you should always take the vehicle to an authorised qualified workshop and have the defective parts inspected and the condition corrected.
WARNING
- • We recommend that you have the run flat tyre renewed and also have the rim checked by a qualified workshop to identify any damage.
- • Using tyres or rims which have not been approved can cause damage to the vehicle. Vehicle handling can be impaired and driving safety can no longer be guaranteed. This can also void the vehicle's certification for use on public roads.
Note
Run-flat tyres can be repaired with the TMS.
