Get Wheels -> Tires and rims Guide for Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

Wheels

WARNING

Tires and rims

–Never drive faster than the

maximum permitted speed for

your tires. This could cause

the tires to heat up too much.

This increases the risk of an

accident because it can cause

the tire to burst.

General information

The combination of a rim and tire

will be referred to as a wheel in

this Owner’s Manual. If only one

of the components is referred to,

then the term tire or rim will be

used.

–Always adapt your driving to

the road and traffic condi-

tions. Drive carefully and re-

duce your speed on icy or slip-

pery roads. Even winter tires

can lose traction on black ice.

►

Check your tires regularly for

damage, such as punctures,

cuts, cracks, and bulges. Re-

move foreign objects from the

tire tread.

►

If driving over curbs or similar

Note

obstacles, drive slowly and ap-

proach the curb at an angle.

–Please note that summer and

winter tires are designed for

the conditions that are typical

in those seasons. Audi recom-

mends winter tires during the

winter months. Low tempera-

tures significantly decrease

the elasticity of summer tires,

which affects traction and

braking ability. If summer

tires are used in very cold

temperatures, cracks can form

on the tread bars, resulting in

permanent tire damage that

can cause loud driving noise

and unbalanced tires.

►

Have faulty tires or rims re-

placed immediately.

►

Protect your tires from oil,

grease, and fuel.

►

Mark tires before removing

them so that the same running

direction can be maintained if

they are reinstalled.

►

Lay tires flat when storing and

store them in a cool, dry loca-

tion with as little exposure to

light as possible.



272

Wheels

1 Tires for passenger vehicles

(if applicable)

–Burnished, polished, or

chromed rims must not be

used in winter driving condi-

tions. The surface of the rims

does not have sufficient corro-

sion protection for this and

could be permanently dam-

aged by road salt or similar

substances. The exception to

this are rims that are part of

complete winter wheels pro-

vided by the factory.

“P” indicates a tire for a passen-

ger vehicle. “T” indicates a tire

designated for temporary use.

HL indicates High Load Capacity

tires.

2 Nominal width

Nominal width of the tire be-

tween the sidewalls in millime-

ters. In general: the larger the

number, the wider the tire.

Tire designations

3 Aspect ratio

Height/width ratio expressed as a

percentage.

4 Tire construction

“R” indicates a radial tire.

5 Rim diameter

Size of the rim diameter in inches.

6 Load index and speed rating

The load index indicates the tire's

load-carrying capacity.

The speed rating indicates the

maximum permitted speed. Also

see ð in General information

on page 272.

Fig. 169 Tire designations on the side-

wall

“EXTRA LOAD”, “xl” or “RF” indi-

cates that the tire is reinforced or

is an Extra Load tire.



273

Wheels

Speed rat-

ing

Maximum permitted speed

will be able to provide you with

more information.

P

up to 93 mph (150 km/h)

up to 99 mph (160 km/h)

up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

up to 110 mph (180 km/h)

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

up to 124 mph (200 km/h)

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

Q

R

S

9 Mud and snow capability

“M/S” or “M+S” indicates the tire

is suitable for driving on mud and

snow. The  symbol indicates a

winter tire.

T

U

H

V

Z

a)

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

above 149 mph (240 km/h)

a)

10

Composition of the tire cord

W

Y

up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

and materials

a)

The number of plies indicates the

number of rubberized fabric lay-

ers in the tire. In general: the

more layers, the more weight a

tire can carry. Tire manufacturers

must also specify the materials

used in the tire. These include

steel, nylon, polyester, and other

materials.

a)

For tires above 149 mph (240 km/h),

tire manufacturers sometimes use the

code “ZR”.

7 US DOT number (TIN) and

manufacture date

The manufacture date is listed on

the tire sidewall (it may only ap-

pear on the inner side of the tire):

DOT ... 2224 ...

11

Maximum permitted load

means, for example, that the tire

was produced in the 22nd week of

the year 2024.

This number indicates the maxi-

mum load in kilograms and

pounds that the tire can carry.

8 AO or R0

12

Uniform tire quality grade

standards for treadwear,

traction, and temperature

resistance

Tires with the designation “AO” or

“R0” that have been specifically

matched to your Audi are instal-

led at the factory. When used cor-

rectly, these tires meet very high

standards for safety and han-

Treadwear, traction, and temper-

ature ranges ðpage 290.



dling. An authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility

274

Wheels

13

Running direction

ing response and better overall

handling on dry pavement.

The arrows indicate the running

direction of unidirectional tires.

You must always follow the speci-

fied running direction

Bead

means the part of the tire that is

made of steel wires, wrapped or

reinforced by ply cords and that is

shaped to fit the rim.

ðpage 308.

14

Maximum permitted

inflation pressure

Bead separation

This number indicates the maxi-

mum pressure to which a tire can

be inflated under normal operat-

ing conditions.

means a breakdown of the bond

between components in the bead.

Cord

means the strands forming the

plies in the tire.

Glossary of tire and loading

terminology

Cold tire inflation pressure

Accessory weight

means the tire pressure recom-

mended by the vehicle manufac-

turer for a tire of a designated

size that has not been driven for

more than a couple of miles (kilo-

meters) at low speeds in the

means the combined weight (in

excess of those standard items

which may be replaced) of auto-

matic transmission, power steer-

ing, power brakes, power win-

dows, power seats, radio, and

heater, to the extent that these

items are available as factory-in-

stalled equipment (whether in-

stalled or not).

three hour period before the tire

pressure is measured or adjusted.

Curb weight

means the weight of a motor ve-

hicle with standard equipment in-

cluding the maximum capacity of

fuel, oil, and coolant, air condi-

tioning and additional weight of

optional equipment.

Aspect ratio

means the ratio of the height to

the width of the tire in percent.

Numbers of 55 or lower indicate a

low sidewall for improved steer-



275

Wheels

Extra load tire

Load rating (code)

means a tire designed to operate

at higher loads and at higher in-

flation pressures than the corre-

means the maximum load that a

tire is rated to carry for a given in-

flation pressure. You may not find

sponding standard tire. Extra load this information on all tires be-

tires may be identified as “XL”,

“xl”, “EXTRA LOAD”, or “RF” on

the sidewall.

cause it is not required by law.

Maximum load rating

means the load rating for a tire at

the maximum permissible infla-

tion pressure for that tire.

Gross Axle Weight Rating

(“GAWR”)

means the load-carrying capacity

of a single axle system, measured

at the tire-ground interfaces.

Maximum loaded vehicle

weight

means the sum of:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(“GVWR”)

(a) Curb weight

(b) Accessory weight

means the maximum total loaded

weight of the vehicle.

(c) Vehicle capacity weight, and

(d) Production options weight

Groove

Maximum (permissible)

inflation pressure

means the space between two ad-

jacent tread ribs.

means the maximum cold infla-

tion pressure to which a tire may

be inflated. Also called “maxi-

mum inflation pressure.”

High load capacity tire

High load capacity tires are extra

load tires that are designed to

carry a higher load at the same

pressure. High load capacity tires

are identified with the prefix “HL”

in front of the tire size designa-

tion.

Normal occupant weight

means 150 lbs. (68 kilograms)

times the number of occupants

seated in the vehicle up to the to-

tal seating capacity of your vehi-

cle.



276

Wheels

Occupant distribution

beads are laid at substantially

90 degrees to the centerline of

the tread.

means distribution of occupants

in a vehicle.

Recommended inflation

pressure

Outer diameter

means the overall diameter of an

inflated new tire.

see ðpage 275, Cold tire infla-

tion pressure.

Overall width

Reinforced tire

means the linear distance be-

tween the exteriors of the side-

walls of an inflated tire, including

elevations due to labeling, deco-

rations, or protective bands or

ribs.

means a tire designed to operate

at higher loads and at higher in-

flation pressures than the corre-

sponding standard tire. Rein-

forced tires may be identified as

“XL”, “xl”, “EXTRA LOAD”, or “RF”

on the sidewall.

Ply

means a layer of rubber-coated

parallel cords.

Rim

means a metal support for a tire

or a tire and tube assembly upon

which the tire beads are seated.

Production options weight

means the combined weight of

those installed regular production

options weighing over 5 lbs.

(2.3 kg) in excess of those stand-

ard items which they replace, not

previously considered in curb

weight or accessory weight, in-

cluding heavy duty brakes, ride

levelers, roof rack, heavy duty

battery, and special trim.

Rim diameter

means nominal diameter of the

bead seat. If you change your

wheel size, you will have to pur-

chase new tires to match the new

rim diameter.

Rim size designation

means rim diameter and width.



Radial ply tire

means a pneumatic tire in which

the ply cords that extend to the

277

Wheels

Rim width

Tread

means nominal distance between

rim flanges.

means that portion of a tire that

comes into contact with the road.

Sidewall

Tread separation

means that portion of a tire be-

tween the tread and bead.

means pulling away of the tread

from the tire carcass.

Speed rating (letter code)

Treadwear indicators (TWI)

means the speed at which a tire is means the projections within the

designed to be driven for extend-

ed periods of time. The ratings

range from 93 mph (150 km/h)

principal grooves designed to give

a visual indication of the degrees

of wear of the tread. See

to 186 mph (298 km/h) ðtable ðpage 282, Treadwear indicator

on page 274. You may not find

this information on all tires be-

cause it is not required by law.

for more information on measur-

ing tire wear.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

The speed rating letter code,

where applicable, is molded on

the tire sidewall and indicates the

maximum permissible road

speeds. See also ð in General

information on page 272.

is a tire information system de-

veloped by the United States Na-

tional Highway Traffic Safety Ad-

ministration (NHTSA) that is de-

signed to help buyers make rela-

tive comparisons among tires.

The UTQG is not a safety rating

and not a guarantee that a tire

will last for a prescribed number

of miles (kilometers) or perform

in a certain way. It simply gives

tire buyers additional information

to combine with other considera-

tions, such as price, brand loyalty

and dealer recommendations. Un-

der UTQG, tires are graded by the

Tire pressure monitoring

system

means a system that detects

when one or more of a vehicle's

tires are underinflated and illumi-

nates a low tire pressure warning

telltale.



278

Wheels

Vehicle maximum load on the

tire

tire manufacturers in three areas:

treadwear, traction, and tempera-

ture resistance. The UTQG infor-

mation on the tires, molded into

the sidewalls.

means that load on an individual

tire that is determined by distrib-

uting to each axle its share of the

maximum loaded vehicle weight

and dividing by two.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification

Number (TIN)

Vehicle normal load on the tire

This is the tire’s “serial number”.

It begins with the letters “DOT”

and indicates that the tire meets

all federal standards. The next

two numbers or letters indicate

the plant where it was manufac-

tured, and the last four numbers

represent the week and year of

manufacture. For example,

means that load on an individual

tire that is determined by distrib-

uting to each axle its share of the

curb weight, accessory weight,

and normal occupant weight (dis-

tributed in accordance with ðta-

ble on page 285) and dividing by

two.

DOT ... 2224 ...

Occupant loading and distri-

bution for vehicle normal load

for various designated seating

capacities

means that the tire was produced

in the 22nd week of 2024. The

other numbers are marketing co-

des that may or may not be used

by the tire manufacturer. This in-

formation is used to contact con-

sumers if a tire defect requires a

recall.

Refer to the tire inflation pres-

sure label ðpage 283, fig. 172

for the number of seating posi-

tions. Refer to the table ðtable

on page 285 for the number of

people that correspond to the ve-

hicle normal load.

Vehicle capacity weight

means the rated cargo and lug-

gage load plus 150 lbs. (68 kilo-

grams) times the vehicle's desig-

nated seating capacity.

New tires or wheels

Audi recommends having all work

on tires or wheels performed by

an authorized Audi dealer or



279

Wheels

authorized Audi Service Facility.

These facilities have the proper

knowledge and are equipped with

the required tools and replace-

ment parts.

ry, consult with an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility before making a

purchase ð

.

Because the spare tire* is differ-

ent from the regular tires instal-

led on the vehicle (such as winter

tires or wide tires), only use the

spare tire* temporarily in case of

emergency and drive carefully

while it is in use. It should be re-

placed with a regular tire as soon

as possible.

►

New tires do not yet have the

optimal gripping properties.

Drive carefully and at moderate

speeds for the first 350 miles

(500 km) with new tires.

►

Only use tires with the same de-

sign, size (rolling circumfer-

ence), and as close to the same

tread pattern as possible on all

four wheels.

All four wheels must be equipped

with tires that are the same brand

and have the same construction

and tread pattern so that the

drive system is not damaged by

different tire speeds. For this rea-

son, in case of emergency, only

use a spare tire* that is the same

circumference as the regular

tires.

►

Applies to: RS models: Only use

tires with the same design, size

(rolling circumference), and the

same tread pattern on all four

wheels.

►

Do not replace tires individually.

At least replace both tires on the

same axle at the same time.

►

Audi recommends using Audi

Original Tires. If you would like

to use different tires, please

note that the tires may perform

differently even if they are the

WARNING

–Do not use steel rims that are

17 inches or larger. Otherwise,

damage to the vehicle and an

accident could result.

same size ð

.

►

If you would like to equip your

vehicle with a tire and rim com-

bination that is different from

what was installed at the facto-

–Only use tire/rim combina-

tions and suitable wheel bolts

that have been approved by



280

Wheels

Audi. Otherwise, damage to

the vehicle and an accident

could result.

cool the brake system. If they

do not, this could increase the

risk of an accident.

–For technical reasons, it is not

possible to use tires from oth-

er vehicles. In some cases, you

cannot even use tires from the

same vehicle model.

–Mounting a tire on the rim in-

correctly can result in tire

damage or failure. To reduce

the risk of an accident, only

trained personnel may mount

a tire on the rim.

–Make sure that the tires you

select have enough clearance

to the vehicle. Replacement

tires should not be chosen

simply based on the nominal

size, because tires with a dif-

ferent construction can differ

greatly even if they are the

same size. If there is not

Tire wear and damage

enough clearance, the tires or

the vehicle can be damaged

and this can reduce driving

safety and increase the risk of

an accident.

Fig. 170 Tire profile: treadwear indica-

tor

Tire wear

Check the tires regularly for wear.

–Only use tires that are more

than six years old when abso-

lutely necessary and drive

carefully when doing so.

–Inflation pressure that is too low

or high can increase tire wear

considerably.

–Driving quickly through curves,

rapid acceleration, and heavy

braking increase tire wear. When

driving under these conditions,

check the tread depth every

3,100 miles (5,000 km) to

6,200 miles (10,000 km).

–Do not use run-flat tires on

your vehicle. Using them when

not permitted can result in ve-

hicle damage or accidents.

–If you install wheel covers on

the vehicle, make sure they al-

low enough air circulation to



281

Wheels

–Have an authorized Audi dealer

indicators. Replace the tires with

or authorized Audi Service Facili- new ones ð .

ty check the wheel alignment if

there is unusual wear.

Tire rotation

Rotating the tires regularly is rec-

–Have the wheels rebalanced if an

imbalance is causing noticeable

vibration in the steering wheel.

If you do not, the tires and other

vehicle components could wear

more quickly.

ommended to ensure the tires

wear evenly. To rotate the tires,

install the tires from the rear axle

on the front axle and vice versa.

This will allow the tires to have

approximately the same length of

service life.

Treadwear indicator

Original equipment tires contain

treadwear indicators in the tread

pattern, which are bars that are

1/16 inch (1.6 mm) high and are

spaced evenly around the tire per-

pendicular to the running direc-

tion ðfig. 170. The letters “TWI”

or triangles on the tire sidewall

indicate the location of the tread-

wear indicators.

For unidirectional tires, make

sure the tires are installed accord-

ing to the running direction indi-

cated on the tire sidewall

ðpage 308.

Hidden damage

Damage to tires and rims can of-

ten occur in locations that are

hidden. Unusual vibrations in the

vehicle or pulling to one side may

indicate that there is tire damage.

Reduce your speed immediately.

Check the tires for damage. If no

damage is visible from the out-

side, drive slowly and carefully to

the nearest authorized Audi deal-

er or authorized Audi Service

When checking tread depth, you

must check the wear indicators

across the entire width of the tire

and on all four tires.

The tires have reached the mini-

1)

mum tread depth when they

have worn down to the treadwear



1)

Obey any applicable regulations in the

country where the vehicle is being oper-

ated.

282

Wheels

Facility to have the vehicle in-

spected.

The correct tire pressure for tires

installed at the factory is listed on

a label. The label is located on the

B-pillar ðfig. 171, ðfig. 172.

WARNING

Tread that has worn too low or

uneven tread depths on the

tires can reduce driving safety.

This can increase the risk of an

accident because it has a nega-

tive effect on handling, driving

through curves, and braking,

and because it increases the

risk of hydroplaning when driv-

ing through deep puddles.

Use the tire pressure specified for

a normal vehicle load when the

vehicle is partially loaded ðtable

on page 285. If driving the vehi-

cle when fully loaded, you must

increase the tire pressure to the

maximum specified pressure

ð

.

Checking and correcting tire

pressure

►

Check the tire pressure at least

Tire pressure

once per month and also check it

before every long drive.

►

Always check the tire pressure

when the tires are cold. Do not

reduce the pressure if it increas-

es when the tires are warm.

►

Refer to the sticker ðfig. 172

Fig. 171 Driver's side B-pillar: tire pres-

sure label

for the correct tire pressure.

►

Correct the tire pressure if nec-

essary.

►

Store the new tire pressure in

the MMI ðpage 292 or

ðpage 294.

►

Check the pressure in the spare

tire*. Always maintain the maxi-

mum temperature that is speci-

fied for the tire.

Fig. 172 Tire pressure label



283

Wheels

result in loss of vehicle con-

trol.

WARNING

Always adapt the tire pressure

to your driving style and the ve-

hicle load.

–Incorrect tire pressure increas-

es tire wear and has a negative

effect on driving and braking

behavior, which increases the

risk of an accident.

–Overloading can result in loss

of vehicle control and increase

the risk of an accident. Read

and follow the important safe-

ty precautions on ðpage 285.

–The tire must flex more if the

tire pressure is too low or if

the vehicle speed or load are

too high. This heats the tire up

too much. This increases the

risk of an accident because it

can cause the tire to burst and

Note

Replace lost valve caps to re-

duce the risk of damage to the

tire valves.

For the sake of the envi-

ronment

Tire pressure that is too low in-

creases fuel consumption.

Tire pressure table

Please note that the information

contained in the following table

was correct at the time of publi-

cation, and the information is

subject to change. If there are any

differences, you should always

follow the tire pressure sticker

ðpage 283, fig. 171.

Make sure that the tire designa-

tion on your tire matches the des-

ignation on the tire pressure label

and the tire pressure table.

The following table lists recom-

mended tire pressures in cold

tires according to the load and

the size of the tires installed.



284

Wheels

Model/

Engine

Tire designation

Tire pressure

Normal load

(up to 3 people)

Maximum load

a)

Front

kPa

Rear

kPa

Front

kPa

Rear

PSI

32

35

32

35

39

44

35

38

33

PSI

35

38

35

38

42

44

38

41

33

PSI

35

38

42

38

42

36

39

45

38

42

35

kPa

260

280

310

280

310

270

290

330

280

310

260

Q8:

3.0L

6-cylinder

285/45 R21 113Y

285/40 R22 110Y

285/35 R23 107Y

275/50 R20 113H

285/45 R21 113H

285/40 R22 110H

285/45 R21 113Y

285/40 R22 110Y

285/35 R23 107Y

285/45 R21 113H

285/40 R22 110H

220

240

220

240

270

300

240

260

230

240

260

240

260

290

300

260

280

230

240

260

290

260

290

250

270

310

260

290

240

38

41

45

41

45

39

42

48

41

45

38

SQ8:

4.0L

8-cylinder

RS Q8:

4.0L

8-cylinder

295/40 ZR22 112Y

155 mph (250 km/h)

b)

295/40 ZR22 112Y

260

280

260

300

320

38

41

38

44

46

260

280

260

300

320

38

41

38

44

46

280

320

270

320

330

41

46

39

46

48

300

340

290

340

44

49

42

49

174 mph (280 km/h)

295/40 ZR22 112Y

190 mph (305 km/h)

295/35 ZR23 108Y

155 mph (250 km/h)

295/35 ZR23 108Y

174 mph (280 km/h)

295/35 ZR23 108Y

190 mph (305 km/h)

a)

Two people in the front, one person in the rear

b)

The tire pressure depends on the maximum permitted speed for your vehicle.

Tires and vehicle load limits

WARNING

There are limits to the amount of

load or weight that any vehicle

and any tire can carry. A vehicle

that is overloaded will not handle

well and is more difficult to stop.

Overloading can not only lead to

loss of vehicle control, but can

Please note the important safe-

ty precautions regarding tire

pressure ðpage 283 and load

limits ðpage 285.



285

Wheels

also damage important parts of

the vehicle and can lead to sud-

den tire failure, including a blow-

The Gross Axle Weight Rating

(“GAWR”) is the maximum load

that can be applied at each of the

out and sudden deflation that can vehicle’s two axles.

cause the vehicle to crash.

The fact that there is an upper

Your safety and that of your pas-

sengers also depends on making

sure that load limits are not ex-

ceeded. Vehicle load includes ev-

erybody and everything in and on

the vehicle. These load limits are

limit to your vehicle’s Gross Vehi-

cle Weight Rating means that the

total weight of whatever is being

carried in the vehicle (including

the weight of a trailer hitch and

the tongue weight of the loaded

technically referred to as the vehi- trailer) is limited. The more pas-

cle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-

ing (“GVWR”).

sengers in the vehicle or passen-

gers who are heavier than the

standard weights assumed mean

that less weight can be carried as

luggage.

The “GVWR” includes the weight

of the basic vehicle, all factory in-

stalled accessories, a full tank of

fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids

plus maximum load. The maxi-

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

and the Gross Axle Weight Rating

mum load includes the number of are listed on the safety compli-

passengers that the vehicle is in-

tended to carry (“seating capaci-

ty”) with an assumed weight of

150 lbs. (68 kg) for each passen-

ger at a designated seating posi-

tion and the total weight of any

luggage in the vehicle. If you tow

a trailer, the weight of the trailer

hitch and the tongue weight of

the loaded trailer must be includ-

ed as part of the vehicle load.

ance sticker label located on the

driver’s side B-pillar.

WARNING

Overloading a vehicle can cause

loss of vehicle control, a crash

or other accident, serious per-

sonal injury, and even death.

–Carrying more weight than

your vehicle was designed to

carry will prevent the vehicle



286

Wheels

Steps for Determining Correct

Load Limit

from handling properly and in-

crease the risk of the loss of

vehicle control.

1. Locate the statement “THE

COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCU-

PANTS AND CARGO SHOULD

NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX

LBS” on your vehicle’s placard

(tire inflation pressure label)

ðpage 283, fig. 172.

2. Determine the combined

weight of the driver and pas-

sengers that will be riding in

your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight

of the driver and passengers

from “XXX” kilograms or “XXX”

pounds shown on the sticker

ðpage 283, fig. 172.

4. The resulting figure equals the

available amount of cargo and

luggage load capacity. For ex-

ample, if the “XXX” amount

equals 1400 lbs. and there will

be five 150 lbs. passengers in

your vehicle, the amount of

available cargo and luggage

load capacity is 650 lbs.

–The brakes on a vehicle that

has been overloaded may not

be able to stop the vehicle

within a safe distance.

–Tires on a vehicle that has

been overloaded can fail sud-

denly, including a blowout and

sudden deflation, causing loss

of control and a crash.

–Always make sure that the to-

tal load being transported –

including the weight of a trail-

er hitch and the tongue

weight of a loaded trailer –

does not make the vehicle

heavier than the vehicle’s

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

Determining correct load

limit

Use the example below to calcu-

late the total weight of the pas-

sengers and luggage or other

things that you plan to transport

so that you can make sure that

your vehicle will not be overload-

ed.

(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650

lbs.)

5. Determine the combined

weight of luggage and cargo

being loaded on the vehicle.

That weight may not safely



287

Wheels

rims yourself, because this increases the risk

of an accident.

exceed the available cargo and

luggage load capacity calculat-

ed in Step 4.

Loose wheel warning

Applies to: vehicles with loose wheel warning

6. If your vehicle will be towing a

trailer, load from your trailer

will be transferred to your ve-

hicle. Consult this manual to

determine how this reduces

the available cargo and lug-

gage load capacity of your ve-

hicle.

Within the limitations of the system, the loose

wheel warning in the instrument cluster warns

you if one or more wheels are loose.

Using the ABS sensors, the loose wheel warning

system compares the vibration characteristics of

the individual tires. If one or more wheels are

loose, it will be indicated in the instrument clus-

ter display with the  indicator light and a mes-

sage. If only one wheel is affected, the location of

that wheel will be indicated.

►

Check the tire sidewall

Messages

(ðpage 273, fig. 169) to deter-

mine the designated load rating

for a specific tire.

 Wheel bolts loose. Please safely stop the ve-

hicle and check all wheel bolts!

Loose wheel warning for at least one wheel ð

.

Check the wheel bolts on all wheels with the

wheel wrench (vehicle tool kit). Have the tighten-

ing specification checked as soon as possible with

a torque wrench. Drive carefully until then. For

the correct tightening specification, see

ðpage 308, Finishing.

Wheel bolts and rims

Wheel bolts

Wheel bolts must be clean and must loosen and

tighten easily.

 Wheel assessment active. Please continue

driving carefully

Rims

Rims with a bolted rim ring* or with bolted wheel

covers* consist of multiple pieces. These compo-

nents were bolted together using special bolts

and a special procedure. You must not repair or

After this message appears and you have checked

the wheel bolts, the assessment phase begins

when the vehicle is in motion. This may take sev-

eral minutes.

disassemble them ð

.

 Loose wheel warning: malfunction! See

owner's manual

WARNING

Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-

correctly can become loose and result in loss

of vehicle control, which increases the risk of

an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-

cation, see ðpage 308, Finishing.

There is a system malfunction. Drive immediately

to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility to have the malfunction correct-

ed.

– Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads

in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.

– Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.

WARNING

Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly can

become loose and result in loss of vehicle con-

trol, which increases the risk of an accident.

– Always have damaged rims repaired by an

authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble



288

Wheels

– If a message appears, reduce your speed im-

mediately and avoid any hard steering or

braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as possible

and check the wheel bolts.

For the sake of the environment

Reinstall summer tires at the appropriate

time, because they provide better handling

when roads are free of snow and ice. Summer

tires cause less road noise, tire wear, and fuel

consumption.

– Check the wheels on your vehicle for dam-

age. Have the damaged wheels checked

and/or replaced immediately by an author-

ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

Facility.

Tips

You can also use all season tires instead of

winter tires. Please note that in some coun-

tries where winter tires are required, only

winter tires with the  symbol may be per-

mitted.

– Under certain conditions (such as a sporty

driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved

roads), the message may be delayed.

– The driver is responsible for ensuring that

the wheels are secured correctly.

Snow chains

Tips

– The loose wheel warning system can also

stop working when there is an ESC malfunc-

tion.

Snow chains improve both driving and braking in

winter road conditions.

►

Only install snow chains on the rear wheels.

– Using snow chains may result in a system

malfunction.

►

Check and correct the seating of the snow

chains after driving a few feet, if necessary. Fol-

low the instructions from the manufacturer.

Winter tires

►

Note the maximum speed of 30 mph

(50 km/h). Observe local regulations.

Winter tires significantly improve the vehicle's

handling when driving in winter conditions. Be-

cause of their construction (width, compound,

tread pattern), summer tires provide less traction

on ice and snow.

Use of snow chains is only permitted with certain

rim/tire combinations due to technical reasons.

Check with an authorized Audi dealer or author-

ized Audi Service Facility to see if you may use

snow chains.

►

Use winter tires on all four wheels.

Only use winter tires that are approved for your

vehicle.

Use fine-mesh snow chains. They must not add

more than 0.40 inch (10.5 mm) in height, includ-

ing the chain lock.

►

Please note that the maximum permitted

speed may be lower with winter tires ð

in

You must remove the snow chains on roads with-

out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving

ability and damage the tires.

General information on page 272. An author-

ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-

cility can inform you about the maximum per-

mitted speed for your tires.

Check the tire pressure after installing a wheel

ðpage 283.

WARNING

►

Using incorrect snow chains or installing snow

chains incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle

control, which increases the risk of an acci-

dent.

The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great-

ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of

0.16 in (4 mm). The characteristics of winter

tires also decrease greatly as the tire ages, re-

gardless of the remaining tread.

Note

– Snow chains can damage the rims and

wheel covers* if the chains come into direct



289

Wheels

contact with them. Remove the wheel cov-

Quality grades can be found where applicable on

the tire side wall between tread shoulder and

maximum section width ðpage 273, fig. 169.

ers* first. Use coated snow chains.

– Do not install and use snow chains if there is

a malfunction in the air suspension*, be-

cause the vehicle height will be very low. If

you drive with snow chains anyway, the

wheel housings and other vehicle compo-

nents can be severely damaged.

For example: Tread wear 200, Traction AA, Tem-

perature A.

All passenger car tires must conform to Federal

Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.

Tread wear

Tips

The tread wear grade is a comparative rating

based on the wear rate of the tire when tested

under controlled conditions on a specified gov-

ernment test course.

When using snow chains, it may be advisable

to limit the ESC ðpage 120.

Low-profile tires

For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one

and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the govern-

ment course as a tire graded 100.

Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires

Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low-

profile tires offer a wider tread surface and a

larger rim diameter with shorter tire sidewalls.

This results in an agile driving feel. However, it

may reduce the level of comfort and increase

road noise when driving on roads in poor condi-

tion.

The relative performance of tires depends upon

the actual conditions of their use, however, and

may depart significantly from the norm due to

variations in driving habits, service practices and

differences in road characteristics and climate.

Low-profile tires can become damaged more

quickly than standard tires when driving over

large bumps, potholes, manhole covers, and

curbs. Therefore, it is particularly important to

maintain the correct tire pressure ðpage 283.

Traction

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are

AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the tire's

ability to stop on wet pavement as measured un-

der controlled conditions on specified govern-

ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire

marked C may have poor traction performance

To reduce the risk of damage to the tires and

rims, drive very carefully on poor roads.

ð

.

Check your wheels regularly every 2,000 miles

(3,000 km) for damage. For example, check for

bulges/cracks on the tires or deformations/

cracks on the rims.

Temperature

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,

and C, representing the tire's resistance to the

generation of heat and its ability to dissipate

heat when tested under controlled conditions on

a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

After a heavy impact or damage, have the tires

and rims inspected or replaced immediately by

an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility.

Sustained high temperature can cause the mate-

rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,

and excessive temperature can lead to sudden

Low-profile tires can wear out faster than stand-

ard tires.

tire failure ð

.

Uniform tire quality grading

The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-

ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-

der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard

No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels

– Tread wear

– Traction AA A B C

– Temperature A B C



290

Wheels

of performance on the laboratory test wheel than

the minimum required by law.

cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-

heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation

also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,

and may affect the vehicle's handling and stop-

ping ability.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to this tire is

based on straight-ahead braking traction

tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-

nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac-

teristics.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for

proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's re-

sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,

even if under-inflation has not reached the level

to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-

sure telltale.

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is estab-

lished for a tire that is properly inflated and

not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-

tion, or excessive loading, either separately or

in combination, can cause heat buildup and

possible tire failure.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS

malfunction indicator to indicate when the sys-

tem is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-

function indicator is combined with the low tire

pressure telltale. When the system detects a

malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-

mately one minute and then remain continuously

illuminated. This sequence will continue upon

subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-

function exists.

WARNING

Temperature grades apply to tires that are

properly inflated and not over or underinflat-

ed.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,

the system may not be able to detect or signal

low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions

may occur for a variety of reasons, including the

installation of replacement or alternate tires or

wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS

from functioning properly. Always check the

TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or

more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure

that the replacement or alternate tires and

wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function

properly.

Tire pressure monitoring

system

1)

 General notes

Each tire, including the spare (if provided),

should be checked monthly when cold and inflat-

ed to the inflation pressure recommended by the

vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or

tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has

tires of a different size than the size indicated on

the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la-

bel, you should determine the proper tire infla-

tion pressure for those tires).

If the tire pressure monitoring indicator

appears

Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-

dicator

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been

equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system

(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure tell-

tale when one or more of your tires is significant-

ly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire

pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and

check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate

them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-

The tire pressure indicator in the instrument

cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low

or if there is a system malfunction.

Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor-

ing system compares the tire tread circumfer-

ence and vibration characteristics of the



1)

Not available in all countries

291

Wheels -> Tires and rims for Your Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

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