202 Tires and wheels
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actua l conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart sign ificantly from the
norm due to var iat ions in driving habits, serv-
ice practices and differences in road character-
istics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, Band
C. Those grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete . A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance¢ .&,.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and
C, representing the tire's resistance to
the generat ion of heat and its ability to dissi-
pate heat when tested under controlled cond i-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire fa ilur e ~ .&,.
The grade
C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand-
ard No.
109. Grades Band A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
.&_ WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplan ing or peak traction
character istics.
.&_ WARNING
The temperature grade for this t ire is es-
tablished for a t ire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded . Excessive speed, un-
derinflation, or excessive loading, eithe r
-
separately or in combinat ion, can cause
heat bui ldup and possible tire failure.
Winter tires
Winter tires can improve vehicle handling on
snow and ice. At temperatures below 45 °F
(7 °C) we recommend changing to winter
tires.
In some heavy snow areas, local governments
may require true winter or "snow" tires, those
with very deeply cut tread . These tires should
only be used in pairs and be installed on all
four wheels . Make sure you purchase snow
tires that are the same size and construction
type as the other tires on your vehicle .
If your vehicle is equipped w ith all-whee l
drive", this w ill improve traction during winter
driv ing, even with the standard tires . Howev-
er, we strongly recommend that you always
equip all fou r wheels on your vehicle w it h cor-
rectly fit t ed winter tires or all -season tires,
when winter road condit ions are expected.
This also improves the vehicle's braking per-
formance and reduces stopping distances.
Summer tires provide less grip on ice and
snow.
Winter tires (snow tires) must always be fitted
on all four wheels .
Ask your author ized Audi dealer or qualified
workshop for permitted
winter tire sizes. Use
only radial winter t ires .
Winter tires lose their effectiveness when the
tread is worn down to a depth of
O .15 7 inch
(4 mm).
Only drive w ith w inter tires under winter con-
ditions. Summer t ires handle better when
there is no snow or ice on the roads and the
temperature is above 45 °F (7
°() .
If you have a flat ti re, see notes on spare
whee l
¢page 198 .
Please always remember that winter tires may
have a lower speed rating than the tires origi-
nally installed on your vehicle at the time it .,.
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