Audi Q3: Wheels and Tires

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.

• 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 they are reinstalled.
• Lay tires flat when storing and store them in a cool, dry location with as little exposure to light as possible.

WARNING

• 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.
• Always adapt your driving to the road and traffic conditions.

  Drive carefully and reduce your speed on icy or slippery roads. Even winter tires can lose traction on black ice.

Note

• Please note that summer and winter tires are designed for the conditions that are typical in those seasons. Audi recommends winter tires during the winter months. Low temperatures 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.
• Burnished, polished or chromed rims must not be used in winter driving conditions.

  The surface of the rims does not have sufficient corrosion protection for this and could be permanently damaged by road salt or similar substances. The exception to this are rims that are part of complete winter wheels provided by the factory.

Tire designations

Fig. 154 Tire designations on the sidewall

1. Tires for passenger vehicles (if applicable)
   "P" indicates a tire for a passenger vehicle. "T" indicates a tire designated for temporary use.
2. Nominal width
   Nominal width of the tire between the sidewalls in millimeters.
   In general: the larger the number, the wider the tire.
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.

"EXTRA LOAD", "xl" or "RF" indicates that the tire is reinforced or is an Extra Load tire.

P  up to 93 mph (150 km/h) Q  up to 99 mph (160 km/h) R  up to 106 mph (170 km/h) S   up to 110 mph (180 km/h) T  up to 118 mph (190 km/h) U  up to 124 mph (200 km/h) H  up to 130 mph (210 km/h) V  up to 149 mph (240 km/h)^a) Z   above 149 mph (240 km/h)^a) W  up to 168 mph (270 km/h)^a) Y   up to 186 mph (300 km/h)^a)

^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 appear on the inner side of the tire):

DOT... 2222...

means, for example, that the tire was produced in the 22nd week of the year 2022.

8. Audi Original Tires
   Audi Original equipment tires with the designation "AO" have been specially matched to your Audi. When used correctly, these tires meet the highest standards for safety and handling. An authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility will be able to provide you with more information.

9. Mud and snow capability
   "M/S" or "M+S" indicates the tire is suitable for driving on mud and snow. indicates a winter tire.
10. Composition of the tire cord and materials
    The number of plies indicates the number of rubberized fabric layers 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.
11. Maximum permitted load
    This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that the tire can carry.
12. Uniform tire quality grade standards for treadwear, traction and temperature resistance
    Treadwear, traction, and temperature ranges.
13. Running direction
    The arrows indicate the running direction of unidirectional tires.

    You must always follow the specified running direction.

14. Maximum permitted inflation pressure
    This number indicates the maximum pressure to which a tire can be inflated under normal operating conditions.

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