Get Driving -> When driving Guide for Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

Driving

reached operating temperature yet. You

ignition or start the engine once you stop it. You

also cannot lock the vehicle from the outside.

could damage the engine.

– If the engine has been under heavy load for

an extended period of time, heat builds up

in the engine compartment after the engine

is turned off and there is a risk of damaging

the engine. For this reason, let the engine

run at idle for approximately two minutes

before shutting it off.

 Remote control key: hold back of key

against the designated area. See owner's man-

ual

The battery in the vehicle key may be drained or

there may be a malfunction. To start the vehicle,

you must also hold the vehicle key against the lo-

cation shown  ðpage 99, fig. 83.

Tips

If the malfunction remains, drive immediately to

an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility to have the malfunction correct-

ed.

– Brief noises are normal when starting and

parking the vehicle and are no cause for

concern.

– For up to 10 minutes after stopping the en-

gine, the radiator fan may turn on again au-

tomatically or it may continue to run, even if

the ignition is turned off.

When driving

Starting to drive, stopping, and parking

– It may not be possible to start the vehicle in

extremely low temperatures.

Starting from a stop

►

Press and hold the brake pedal.

– Power will be fully available once the engine

is at operating temperature.

►

Start the engine.

►

Select the “D” or “R” position.

►

Release the parking brake.

Messages

►

Release the brake pedal. The vehicle may roll.

►

Press the accelerator pedal to accelerate.

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

Securing the vehicle against rolling



Engine start system: malfunction! Please

Secure your vehicle to prevent it from rolling be-

fore exiting the vehicle.

contact Service

Do not turn off the ignition because you may not

be able to turn it on again. Drive to an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-

mediately to have the malfunction corrected.

►

Set the parking brake.

Select the “P” position.

If parking on a steep road, turn the steering

wheel so that your vehicle will roll against the

curb in case it should start to move.

►



Engine start system: malfunction! Please

contact Service

If one of these measures is not possible, for ex-

ample because there is no vehicle power, you

must secure your vehicle against rolling using ad-

ditional measures.

There is a malfunction in the engine start system.

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

►

Only park the vehicle on a level surface.

►

Use suitable objects to block the front and rear

wheels.



Remote control key: key not detected. Is the

key still in the vehicle?

Set the parking brake before selecting the “P” po-

sition. This prevents too much stress from being

put on the locking mechanism when parking on a

steep surface.

The vehicle key was removed from the vehicle

while the engine is running. If the vehicle key is

no longer in the vehicle, you cannot turn on the



100

Driving

Requirement: the driver's door must be closed,

the engine must be on, and the vehicle must be

traveling uphill.

WARNING

– Always set the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle, even if only for a short period

of time. If the parking brake is not set, the

vehicle could roll, increasing the risk of an

accident.

►

To activate hill hold assist, press and hold the

brake pedal for several seconds while the vehi-

cle is stationary.

– Do not leave your vehicle unattended while

the engine is running, because this increases

the risk of an accident.

WARNING

– If you do not begin driving immediately after

releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle may

begin to roll backward. Press the brake ped-

al or set the parking brake immediately.

– The hill hold assist cannot hold the vehicle

on inclines in every scenario (for example,

on slippery or icy ground).

– If the parking brake is set, it can release au-

tomatically when the accelerator pedal is

pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,

do not inadvertently press the accelerator

pedal and always make sure the “P” position

is selected when the vehicle is parked.

– If you leave the vehicle, turn off the ignition

and take the key with you. This is especially

important when leaving persons or animals

in the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle could

start unintentionally, the parking brake

could release, or electronic equipment could

activate, which increases the risk of an acci-

dent.

Selector positions and driving programs

– No persons or animals should be left in a

locked vehicle. Locked doors make it more

difficult for emergency workers to enter the

vehicle, which increases the risk of death.

– If you do not begin driving immediately after

releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle may

begin to roll backward. Press the brake ped-

al or set the parking brake immediately.

Fig. 84 Center console: transmission selector

The automatic transmission shifts automatically

depending on the selected position and the cur-

rent driving style. When driving with a moderate

driving style, upshifting early and downshifting

late will help to improve fuel economy. When

driving with a sporty driving style, the transmis-

sion permits higher RPMs.

Note

If you have to stop on an incline, always press

the brake pedal to hold the vehicle in place to

reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling back-

ward. Do not try to hold the vehicle in place

by pressing and holding the accelerator pedal.

The transmission can overheat, which increas-

es the risk of damage.

Transmission selector positions

The selector positions are displayed next to the

transmission selector.

– P (Park): parking lock

– R (Reverse): driving in reverse

– N (Neutral): idling

Hill hold assist

If you take your foot off of the brake pedal when

driving on hills, the braking force will be held for

several seconds. At that time, you can start driv-

ing without the vehicle rolling backward.

– D (Drive): driving forward



101

Driving

Driving programs

“P” engages automatically if you turn off the en-

gine while the “D” or “R” position is selected. If

you turn off the engine in the “N” position, “P”

will engage automatically after approximately 30

minutes.

Various driving programs can be selected when in

the “D” position. These programs influence, for

example, when the transmission shifts and how

the accelerator pedal responds.

If you want to select another position from “P”,

the engine must be running.

The selected driving program is displayed in the

instrument cluster.

If you cannot shift out of the “P” position, for ex-

ample because the vehicle has no power, you may

need to use the manual release for the parking

lock ðpage 104.

– D (Drive): normal driving mode

– S (Sport): sporty driving mode

Selecting a position

Requirement: the ignition must be turned on.

Selecting the driving program

– Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the

brake pedal.

To switch between the current driving program

and “S”, push the selector toward the rear.

– Press the release button 1 on the selector.

– To select the nearest position, move the selec-

tor forward or back until you feel the first pres-

sure point.

If you select the dynamic mode in Audi drive se-

lect*, the “S” driving program will be activated.

When the ignition is turned off, the driving pro-

gram may be reset to “D”.

– To skip a position (for example, to move from

“D” directly to “R”), move the selector past the

pressure point in the desired direction.

– The label next to the selector for the selected

position will illuminate.

The S driving program might not be available in

the Audi drive select* offroad mode.

WARNING

– Before you start driving, check if the label

for the desired selector position next to the

transmission selector is illuminated.

– Secure the vehicle against rolling before ex-

iting the vehicle ðpage 100.

“N” (Neutral) position

In the “N” position, power is not transmitted to

the driving wheels. Use the “N” position in a car

wash (with conveyor belts), for example.

– Power is still transmitted to the wheels

when the engine is running at idle. To pre-

vent the vehicle from “creeping”, you must

keep your foot on the brake in all selector

positions (except "P" and "N") when the en-

gine is running.

If you unintentionally select the “N” position

while driving (faster than 1 mph (2 km/h)), you

can select “D” again without pressing the brake

pedal.

For safety reasons, the vehicle cannot be locked

when the "N” position is selected.

– To reduce the risk of an accident, do not

press the accelerator pedal when changing

selector positions if the vehicle is stationary

and the engine is running.

“P” (Park) position

Requirement: the ignition must be turned on.

– Never select the “R" position while driving.

Doing so could cause an accident.

The parking lock secures the vehicle from rolling

when the “P” position is selected. The parking

lock is a mechanical locking mechanism in the

transmission.

– The vehicle can roll even if the ignition is

turned off.

– Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the

brake pedal.

Tips

– If you shift back and forth between the “D”

and “R” position within one second, you do

– Press the “P” button 2 on the selector.

– The “P” next to the selector will illuminate.



102

Driving

Shifting with the shift paddles

Applies to: vehicles with shift paddles

not need to press the brake pedal. This

makes it possible to “rock free” the vehicle

if it is stuck, for example.

►

Upshifting: press the

Downshifting: press the

+

shift paddle ðfig. 86.

shift paddle.

To engage the lowest possible gear for maxi-

– Audi recommends the “D” driving program

for everyday driving.

►

–

mum acceleration, press and hold the

paddle.

–

shift

Manual shifting

►

To switch back to automatic mode, press and

hold the shift paddle or push the selector to-

ward the rear.

+

If you stop using the shift paddles temporarily,

the transmission will switch back to automatic

mode. To keep shifting manually, tilt the selector

toward the front passenger's side.

Tips

Fig. 85 Center console: shifting manually with the trans-

mission selector

– The transmission only allows manual shift-

ing when the engine speed is within the per-

mitted range.

– The transmission automatically shifts up or

down before critical engine speed is

reached.

– Applies to: RS models: Depending on the

engine, the “M” in the instrument cluster

will be displayed in red font in certain situa-

tions. The manual shifting mode responds

particularly sporty in this case. When accel-

erating, the transmission does not automat-

ically shift to the next gear shortly before

the maximum permitted engine RPM is

reached. Shift to the next highest gear at

the right time.

Fig. 86 Steering wheel: shift paddles*

You can shift the gears manually when in the “D”

position. The transmission must be in tiptronic

mode.

Shifting with the transmission selector

Accelerator pedal

You can shift into manual shifting mode while the

vehicle is stationary or while driving.

You can accelerate the vehicle using the accelera-

tor pedal.

►

To switch to manual shifting mode, tilt the se-

Maximum acceleration

lector toward the front passenger's side

ðfig. 85. “M” will be displayed in the instru-

ment cluster.

Upshifting: push the selector forward + .

Downshifting: push the selector toward the

If you press the accelerator pedal all the way

down, the engine’s full power will be used and

you will reach maximum acceleration, also called

“kick-down”.

►

rear – .

►

To switch back to automatic mode, tilt the se-

lector toward the driver's side.

WARNING

The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle

could swerve on slick or slippery road surfaces



103

Driving

when using kick-down, which increases the

risk of an accident.

Note

– When accelerating using launch control, all

vehicle components are subject to heavy

loads. This can result in increased wear.

– To reduce the risk of damaging the vehicle,

trailer, and cargo, avoid using launch control

while in trailer towing mode.

Launch control

Applies to: vehicles with launch control

Launch control provides the best possible accel-

eration when starting from a stop.

Requirements

Tips

– The engine must be at operating temperature.

– The steering wheel must not be turned.

– Start/Stop system* must be deactivated

ðpage 107.

After accelerating using launch control, the

temperature of some vehicle components

may increase greatly. If that happens, the

function will not be available for a few mi-

nutes to reduce the risk of damage. After a

cool-down period, launch control will be avail-

able again.

– ESC must be limited ðpage 120.

– The “S” driving program ðpage 102 and the

dynamic Audi drive select* mode must be se-

lected ðpage 115.

Parking lock emergency release

Using launch control

– Press the brake pedal with your left foot and

hold it all the way down for at least one second.

– With the brake pedal pressed, press the accel-

erator pedal all the way down with your right

foot at the same time.

– Once the engine reaches a constant speed, re-

move your foot from the brake pedal.

– Applies to: RS models: The Launch control pro-

gram: activated message will appear, depend-

ing on the vehicle equipment. Once the engine

reaches a constant speed, remove your foot

from the brake pedal. Depending on the equip-

ment, the red blinking shift light indicator

ðpage 18 will show the optimal point of time

to release the brake.

Fig. 87 Footwell: releasing the parking lock using the

emergency release

The manual release is located under the floor

mat on the driver's side. Read and follow the im-

portant instructions about towing ðpage 311.

Releasing the parking lock using the manual

release

Once the vehicle has started moving, reactivate

the ESC so that it is fully functional.

►

Secure the vehicle against rolling ðpage 100.

►

Pry the cover off at one of the openings using

the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit

WARNING

Only use launch control when road and traffic

conditions allow it and other road users will

not be endangered or impacted by your driv-

ing and the vehicle's acceleration. The driving

wheels could spin and the vehicle could

swerve, especially on slick or slippery road

surfaces, which increases the risk of an acci-

dent.

ðpage 303.

Insert the socket wrench from the vehicle tool

kit into the opening.

Turn the socket wrench clockwise 1 until it

stops and press it downward 2 until it locks in-

to place.

Leave the socket wrench inserted.

►



104

Driving

There is a system malfunction in the transmis-

Resetting the parking lock

sion. You may continue driving. Drive to an au-

thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected.

►

Grasp the socket wrench with both hands and

carefully pull it upward to remove.

Install the cover.

►

 Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving with limited function. Please contact

Service

WARNING

– The parking lock must be released using the

emergency release before towing the vehi-

cle.

There is a system malfunction in the transmis-

sion. The transmission is switching to emergency

mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or

may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.

Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized

Audi Service Facility immediately to have the

malfunction corrected.

– Only use the parking lock manual release if

the vehicle is secured against rolling

ðpage 100. An unsecured vehicle may roll,

which increases the risk of an accident.

– Only activate the manual release while on a

level surface or a slight slope.

 Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving with limited function. No reverse

gear

– To reduce the risk of an accident, you must

not drive when the manual release is activat-

ed.

There is a system malfunction in the transmis-

sion. The transmission is switching to emergency

mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or

may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.

You cannot engage the reverse gear. Drive to an

authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-

rected.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

 Transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-

cle

Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon

as possible in a safe location and secure it so it

does not roll ðpage 100. See an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-

sistance.

 Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving in D until engine is off

There is a system malfunction in the transmis-

sion. The transmission is switching to emergency

mode. If you turn the engine off, you will not be

able to select any other selector positions after

restarting the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-

ately to have the malfunction corrected.

 Transmission: too hot. Please stop vehicle

Do not continue driving. Secure the vehicle

against rolling ðpage 100. See an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for

assistance.

 Selector lever: malfunction! You can contin-

 Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving

ue driving. Please contact Service

style

There is a system malfunction in the selector.

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

The transmission temperature has increased sig-

nificantly. Drive very cautiously or take a break

from driving until the temperature returns to the

normal range and the indicator light turns off.

 Selector lever: malfunction! Gear change on-

 Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-

ly possible if using both shift paddles

ue driving. See owner's manual

There is a system malfunction in the selector. You

can continue driving with limited functionality.



105

Driving

The selector is not working. Selector positions

can only be selected by tapping both shift pad-

dles at the same time when the vehicle is station-

ary. The “P” position engages automatically when

you turn off the engine. Drive to an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-

mediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Conventional and mild hybrid drive system

Applies to: vehicles with a conventional drive system or a mild

hybrid drive system

Vehicles with a conventional or mild hybrid drive

system are powered by a combustion engine. It

uses fuel to recover energy.

Vehicles with a mild hybrid drive system have ad-

ditional battery technology.

 P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine

off. Please contact Service

There is a malfunction in the parking brake but-

ton on the transmission selector. The “P” position

engages automatically when you turn off the en-

gine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-

thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have

the malfunction corrected.

Efficient and environmentally-friendly

driving

Your driving style greatly influences the amount

of fuel and energy consumed, the environmental

impact, and the wear on the engine, brakes, and

tires. Note the following information for efficient

and environmentally-conscious driving:

 Danger of rolling away! P not possible.

Please apply parking brake

– Turn off electrical equipment that is not need-

ed, for example seat heating*.

– The parking lock was released using the manual

release ðpage 104. Or:

– Anticipate upcoming traffic situations while

driving to avoid unnecessary acceleration and

braking.

– The parking lock can no longer be engaged.

Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-

ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have

the malfunction corrected. Secure the vehicle

against rolling before exiting the vehicle

ðpage 100.

– Avoid driving at high speeds.

– Avoid adding extra weight to the vehicle if pos-

sible, for example by not leaving roof racks or

bike racks installed when they are not needed.

– Make sure the tire pressure is correct.

– Have maintenance performed regularly on the

vehicle.

 Move selector lever to automatic position

The transmission has switched out of tiptronic

mode. Switch back to automatic mode with the

selector ðpage 103.

– Do not let the engine run while the vehicle

parked.

– Do not drive with winter tires during the summ-

er.

Drive system

– Use the Start/Stop system.

Breaking in

– Utilize the engine braking effect.

– Avoid driving short distances when possible.

A new vehicle must be broken in within the first

1,000 miles (1,500 km) so that all moving parts

work smoothly together, which helps to increase

the service life of the engine and other drive com-

ponents.

Tips

The amount of noise produced by the vehicle

can increase significantly when driving with a

sporty style. Show respect to others around

you and the environment with the way you op-

erate your vehicle, especially at night.

Do not drive higher than two-thirds of the maxi-

mum permitted engine RPM during the first 600

miles (1,000 km) and do not use full accelera-

tion. The engine can be increased RPM gradually

during the next 300 miles (500 km).

106

Driving -> When driving for Your Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

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