Wheels & Tires | Audi A4 2012 - 2022 Owner Manual

Wheels and Tires

Check your tires regularly for damage such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and bulges. Remove foreign objects from the tire tread.
If driving over curbs or similar obstacles, drive slowly and approach the curb at an angle.
Have faulty tires or rims replaced immediately.
Protect your tires from oil, grease, and fuel.
Mark tires before removing them so that the same running direction can be maintained if reinstalled.
Lay tires flat when storing and store them in a cool, dry location with as little exposure to light as possible.

Never drive faster than the maximum permitted speed for your tires. Excessive speed can overheat tires and increase the risk of a tire burst, causing an accident.
Always adapt your driving to road and traffic conditions. Drive carefully and reduce speed on icy or slippery roads. Even winter tires can lose traction on black ice.

Summer and winter tires are designed for the conditions typical of their respective seasons. Audi recommends using winter tires during winter months.
Low temperatures significantly decrease the elasticity of summer tires, affecting traction and braking ability. Using summer tires in very cold temperatures can cause cracks on tread bars, leading to permanent tire damage, loud driving noise, and unbalanced tires.
Burnished, polished, or chromed rims must not be used in winter driving conditions. These surfaces lack sufficient corrosion protection and can be permanently damaged by road salt or similar substances.

Fig. 164: Tire designations on the sidewall

P – Tire for passenger vehicles
T – Tire designated for temporary use
Nominal Width – Width of the tire between the sidewalls in millimeters. Larger numbers indicate wider tires.
Aspect Ratio – Height/width ratio expressed as a percentage.
Tire Construction – “R” indicates a radial tire.
Rim Diameter – Size of the rim diameter in inches.
Load Index and Speed Rating – Load index indicates tire's load-carrying capacity. Speed rating indicates maximum permitted speed. “EXTRA LOAD”, “XL”, or “RF” indicates a reinforced or Extra Load tire.