Audi Q5: Snow chains
Snow chains improve traction in the snow.
- Only install snow chains on the rear wheels.
- Check and correct the seating of the snow chains if necessary after driving a few feet. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Note the maximum permitted speed when driving with snow chains. Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
Snow chains not only improve the driving in winter road conditions, but also the braking.
Use of snow chains is only permitted with certain rim/tire combinations due to technical reasons.
Check with an authorized Audi dealer or authorized repair facility to see if you may use snow chains.
Use fine-mesh snow chains. They must not add more than 0.53 inch (13.5 mm) in height, including the chain lock.
You must remove the chains when driving on roads that are free of snow. When roads are free of snow, snow chains can impair handling and damage the tires, and the chains will quickly be destroyed.
WARNING
Using incorrect snow chains or installing snow chains incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle control, which increases the risk of an accident.
Note
Snow chains can damage the rims/wheel covers if the chains come into direct contact with them. Remove the wheel covers first. Use coated snow chains.
Low aspect ratio tires
Your Audi is factory-equipped with low aspect ratio tires. These tires have been thoroughly tested and been selected specifically for your model for their superb performance, road feel and handling under a variety of driving conditions. Ask your authorized Audi dealer for more details.
The low aspect ratio of these tires is indicated by a numeral of 55 or less in the tire's size designation. The numeral represents the ratio of the tire's sidewall height in relation to its tread width expressed in percentage. Conventional tires have a height/width ratio of 60 or more.
The performance of low-aspect-ratio tires is particularly sensitive to improper inflation pressure. It is therefore important that low aspect ratio tires are inflated to the specified pressure and that the inflation pressure is regularly checked and maintained. Tire pressures should be checked at least once a month and always before a long trip.
What you can do to avoid tire and rim damage
Low aspect ratio tires can be damaged more easily by impact with potholes, curbs, gullies or ridges on the road, particularly if the tire is underinflated.
In order to minimize the occurrence of impact damage to the tires of your vehicle, we recommend that you observe the following precautions:
- Always maintain recommended inflation pressures. Check your tire pressure every 2,000 mites (3,000 km) and add air if necessary.
- Drive carefully on roads with potholes, deep gullies or ridges. The impact from driving through or over such obstacles can damage your tires. Impact with a curb may also cause damage to your tires.
- After any impact, immediately inspect your tires or have them inspected by the nearest authorized Audi dealer. Replace a damaged tire as soon as possible.
- Inspect your tires every 2,000 miles (3,000 km) for damage and wear. Damage is not always easy to see. Damage can lead to loss of air and underinflation, which could eventually cause tire failure. If you believe that a tire may have been damaged, replace the tire as soon as possible.
- These tires may wear more quickly than others.
- Please also remember that, while these tires deliver responsive handling, they may ride less comfortably and make more noise than other choices.
Reduced performance in winter/cold season conditions
ALL tires are designed for certain purposes. The low aspect ratio, ultra high performance tires originally installed on your vehicle are intended for maximum dry and wet road performance and handling. They are not suitable for cold, snowy or icy weather conditions. If you drive under those circumstances, you should equip your vehicle with all-season or winter tires, which offer better traction under those conditions. We suggest you use the recommended snow or all-season tires specified for your vehicle, or their equivalent.
