Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights.

If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.

The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and therefore the car's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced air density, so the maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the car and trailer must be reduced by about 10% for every further 1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to the combined weight of the (loaded) Audi A3 and (loaded) trailer.

The figures for the draw bar weight that appear on the identification plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents and in ►Link. Also refer to ►Link.

Before starting a journey, make sure that all the lights for the trailer are working properly.

Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them slipping. A badly distributed load can also affect handling. This can activate the trailer stabilisation feature and cause the Audi A3 to reduce speed.

Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit.

Check the tyre pressures on your car and adjust for "full load" conditions (refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the end face of the driver's door Fig. 1). It may also be necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the recommendations of the trailer manufacturer.

Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.

Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer hitched up. Adjust the headlight settings if necessary.

You need to adjust the headlight beam settings yourself if the car is equipped with manual headlight range control, see ►Link.

The headlight beam settings will be adjusted automatically if your Audi A3 is equipped with dynamic headlight range control^*.

To ensure that the engine can be started again after the ignition is switched off, the power management system ►Link controls the distribution of electrical power and gradually switches off unnecessary electrical equipment. The trailer is supplied with power during this period. The power supply to the trailer is interrupted while the engine is being started.

Audi A3s with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well or in a separate bag on the floor of the luggage compartment, together with the necessary fitting instructions.