Some experience is required to tow or tow-start a Audi A3, especially when using a tow-rope. Both drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another Audi A3.
Do not pull too hard with the towing Audi A3 and take care to avoid jerking the tow-rope. When towing off-road, there is always a risk that the anchorage points may be overloaded.
Tow-bar / tow-rope
It is easier and safer to tow the Audi A3 with a tow-bar. You should only use a tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar. It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of elastic synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Notes on towing Audi A3s
The Audi A3 can be towed with a tow-bar or tow-rope. When the engine is not running, the gearbox will not be adequately lubricated if the following speed/distance restrictions are not observed:
- The Audi A3 must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
- The Audi A3 must not be towed further than 50 km.
Additional notes on towing by breakdown truck
If one of the axles has to be raised in order to tow the Audi A3, please refer to the following table to determine the appropriate axle for your gearbox/drive combination:
| Front-wheel drive |
Four-wheel drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Manual gearbox |
Front or rear axle |
Front or rear axle |
| Automatic gearbox |
Front axle |
Front axle |
Four-wheel drive: If the Audi A3 is to be towed with one of the axles raised, the ignition must be switched off; otherwise the drive train can be damaged.
Notes on tow-starting
Automatic gearbox: For technical reasons, your Audi A3 must not be tow-started.
WARNING!
There is a high risk of accidents when towing/tow-starting, as the towed Audi A3 can easily be driven into the towing Audi A3.
- If it is not possible to tow the Audi A3 as described above (e.g. due to a gearbox failure or if the Audi A3 has to be towed further than 50 km), it must be transported on a special car transporter or trailer.
- Towing a Audi A3 with the wrong axle raised can cause serious damage to the gearbox.
Note
- Automatic gearbox: It is not possible to move the selector lever out of position P if the electrical power supply fails. Before the Audi A3 can be recovered/manoeuvred you must manually release the selector lever; left-hand drive Audi A3s ►Link, right-hand drive Audi A3s ►Link.
- Please observe the relevant regulations when towing or tow-starting.