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Audi A3: Tips and Tricks

Read on to learn tips and tricks about your A3's best features that you may not know, even if you read the owner's manual. Some of these are not easy to find, hidden under the hood, behind trim panels or in computer menus, but we've got it for you here.

By Scott Phillips - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3 8V (2012-Present).

The Audi A3 8V is not just a more expensive Volkswagen with a nicer interior, it has many features you don't get on the lesser car. No corners were cut to bring you a sporty, efficient, fun to drive compact luxury car that features quality German engineering, even in places you don't see. These little touches are what set the Audi apart from similar sized cars from Acura, Lexus, or Infinity, and getting to know them will let you take advantage of all the features you are paying for.

Audi A3 Features

Electric Power Steering

You won't find a power steering reservoir on your A3 because the steering assist is done by a simple and efficient electric motor. The Bosch (formerly ZF Lenksysteme) dual pinion steering rack has a steering-pinion for the steering wheel shaft input and a second drive-pinion that is powered by the electric motor servo. The first pinion moves the rack when you turn the steering wheel and the second pinion provides power assist. This version of the Bosch Servolectric steering system is called "servo on a second pinion."

Traditional hydraulic power steering is heavy, subject to leakage and places a continuous work load on the engine. The electric power steering uses energy only when the steering wheel is turned and the electric motor is integrated into the steering rack for safety and simplicity.

  • Elimination of the hydraulic pump, lines and rack piston, reduce system weight by 20%.
  • Reduced workload on the engine improves fuel economy, and exhaust emissions are reduced as well.
  • The independent, second drive-pinion can be tuned for various levels of steering performance.
  • You will never have to add power steering fluid and there is nothing to leak.
Servolectric power steering rack
Figure 1. Servolectric power steering rack.

Active Charcoal Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter is easily accessed from inside the glovebox. The active charcoal cabin air filter cleans dust, pollen and odors from your Audi climate system. The Audi filter is part 5Q0-819-653 and a quality aftermarket choice is the Mann CUK-26-009 filter.

  • Open the glovebox.
  • Pull the tab to remove the trim piece at the back of the glovebox.
  • Press down on the three tabs to remove the filter cover.
  • Slide out the old filter.
  • Install the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing DOWN.
  • Reinstall the covers.
Cabin air filter replacement
Figure 2. Cabin air filter replacement.

Power Folding Side-View Mirrors

In 2015, power folding side-view mirrors were available on the A3 Premium Plus trim with the Convenience Package. However, in 2016 you can only get them on the A3 and S3 Prestige lines. When searching dealership inventories, check for production code 6XE with the car's data, or on the build sticker in the spare wheel well.

To fold the mirrors while stopped or below 10 mph, select Fold on the mirror switch. If you exceed 10 mph with the mirrors folded, an override will automatically extend them. Additionally, the MMI can be programmed to automatically fold the mirrors. In the Central Locking menu, select Fold mirrors, then On. The mirrors will automatically fold when you exit and lock the doors, and automatically extend when you enter the car and start the engine.

Power folding mirrors
Figure 3. Power folding mirrors.

Electromechanical Parking Brake and Hill Start Assist

Audi has eliminated the complexity of the manual hand brake and cables with an electrically operated parking brake (EPB). The parking brake electric motors are directly attached to each rear caliper and use the same pads and discs as the regular rear brake. This also allowed Audi to incorporate an anti-roll feature called Hill Start Assist. They also incorporated other new automatic safety features into the EPB as well.

  • To set the EPB, pull up on the switch. To release it, switch the ignition On, hold your foot on the brake, and push down on the switch.
  • To use Hill Start Assist, you must be in gear, with the driver door closed and your seat belt on. When you stop on a hill, set the EPB. The A3 will stay in place until you press the throttle, which automatically releases the EPB.
  • Roll-away safety: If you happen to stop and open your driver door while the ignition is On and the A3 is in gear; the EPB will automatically set.
  • Emergency brake: While moving, you can hold the EPB switch up and it will slow and stop the A3, with anti-lock brake protection.
Electromechanical parking brake
Figure 4. Electromechanical parking brake.

Curb View Reverse Mirror Tilt

You can program the right mirror to automatically tilt down when in Reverse. Curb View reverse mirror tilt helps to prevent grinding your wheels on the curb when parking. You can even program the degree of tilt that meets your needs.

  • Select ignition On and set the parking brake to allow mirror programming.
  • Keep your foot on the brake and select Reverse.
  • Use the mirror switch to adjust the right-side mirror down as needed.
  • Select Park to store the Curb View tilt setting.
  • After initially setting it, the right mirror will return to normal when you release the parking brake and begin to drive.
  • The Curb View reverse tilt only works when the mirror switch is set to the Right mirror.
Curb View mirror tilt in reverse
Figure 5. Curb view mirror tilt in reverse.

V-Checker Pro Diagnostic Scan Tool

Although priced comparably to generic scan tools, the V-Checker Pro can perform On-Board-Diagnostic functions (OBD-2) as well as communicate with Audi control modules such as central locking, anti-lock brakes and oil life reset.

The V-Checker Pro is powered from the car's battery when you plug it into the diagnostic port. It can communicate with all non-CAN-bus (pre-2005) as well as CAN-bus (post-2005) Audis and VWs. With this scan tool you can read and clear OBD-2 codes, as well as do Audi specific procedures such as reading live data, performing throttle body alignment and running the ABS pump.

V-Checker Pro scan tool
Figure 6. V-Checker Pro scan tool.

Common Questions

Why doesn't my window Auto open or close after the battery was disconnected or replaced?

The power window control modules need to relearn the Auto procedure. Operate the windows and hold at the up and down stops for 10 seconds, then cycle the ignition switch to complete the relearn.

How much rear axle torque distribution will the Haldex provide?

The maximum front/rear torque distribution is 50/50 on pavement, but it can theoretically send 100% to either axle. The Haldex begins to transfer torque to the rear at the first detected slip in the front differential, before the front wheels spin. It is unlikely, but possible to send 100% torque to the rear or front if the two wheels are on ice and the other wheels have traction.

Common Issues

Turbo-Charger Failure

Some 2015 2.0L engines have had a turbo-charger failure. Turbo-charger failure will result in reduced power and illuminate the Multi-function Indicator Light (MIL). The dealer will replace the turbo-charger under warranty. See the TSB below.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

Audi TSB 21E7 of August 5, 2014, calls for replacement of the turbo-charger on some 2015 A3s with the 2.0L engine. The new turbo-charger is part 06K-145-702-T.

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