Audi S5 CABRIOLET, Owner'S Manual

Page: 237 / 294

Wheels and tyres 235
Controls Safety Driving tips General maintenance Self-help Technical data
– Never use tyres whose actual size exceeds the dimen-
sions of the factory-approved makes of tyre.
– If you wish to fit the vehicle with non-standard rims or
tyres, it is advisable to consult an Audi dealer before
purchasing them.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's
design. The tyres and rims approved by Audi are specially matched
to the characteristics of the vehicle and make a major contribution
to good roadholding and safe handling
⇒
.
The sizes of the rims and tyres approved for your vehicle are listed
in the vehicle's documents (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or COC
document
5)
). The vehicle documents vary depending on the
country of residence.
Understanding the tyre designations makes it easier to choose the
correct tyres. For example, radial ply tyres have the following tyre
designations marked on the sidewall:
245 / 40 R 18 93 Y
This contains the following information:
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall
(possibly only on the inner side of the wheel):
DOT ... 1006...
means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 10th week of
2006.
Please note that with some types of tyres, the actual tyre size can
differ from the nominal size marked on the tyre (for instance 245/40
R 18 93 Y), and there may be significant differences in the contours
of the tyres, even though the tyres are marked with the same
nominal size designation. When replacing the tyres, it is therefore
important to make sure that the actual size of the new tyres does
not exceed the dimensions of the factory-approved makes of tyre.
Failure to observe this requirement can affect the clearance needed
for the tyres. This could result in contact between the tyres and
suspension components or bodywork. The brake lines could also be
damaged and the vehicle's safety could be severely impaired
⇒
.
When using tyres with the maximum permitted nominal dimen-
sions, this can also void the vehicle's registration.
If you use tyres that are approved by Audi you can be sure that the
actual tyre dimensions will be correct for your vehicle. If you decide
to fit a different type of tyre, you must obtain the appropriate manu-
facturer's certificate from the tyre retailer to confirm that the tyres
are suitable for your vehicle. Keep this certificate in a safe place.
Your local Audi dealer will be able to advise you on which tyres may
be fitted to your vehicle.
All four wheels must always be fitted with tyres of the same type,
make and tread pattern, otherwise the drive-line can be damaged by
the constant differences in wheel speeds. For the same reason, only
use a spare wheel* with the same tyre dimensions as the normal
road wheels.
It the spare tyre* is not the same type as the tyres fitted on the car
(for example if the car has winter tyres or wide-section tyres) you
should only use the spare tyre if a puncture occurs, and then only
for a short period of time. In this case, please drive with extra care.
Refit the normal road wheel as soon as possible.
It is best to have all servicing of wheels and tyres performed by a
qualified workshop. They have the necessary special tools and
5)
COC = certificate of conformity
245 Tyre width in mm
40 Height/width ratio in %
R Tyre construction: Radial
18 Rim diameter in inches
93 Load rating code
Y Speed rating code letter
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