Correct Method for Starting an Audi A4 Automatic Transmission Vehicle

[OwenFitz]

After the driver sits in the driver's seat, press the start button once to turn on the ACC light, then press it again to initiate the vehicle's self-check. Depress the brake pedal and press the start button once more to ignite and start the engine; normally, the engine will start within 3 seconds of pressing the ignition switch. Release the electronic parking brake, depress the foot brake again, shift to D (Drive) or R (Reverse) gear, carefully observe if the road conditions are suitable for starting, then slowly start the vehicle after turning on the turn signal.

[VanElle]

When I first drove the Audi A4, I also pondered the details of starting off. After getting in the car, press the brake firmly and start the engine, then wait for the dashboard self-check to complete (about two or three seconds). To shift gears, hold down the side button and pull it to D gear—just a light push on the electronic gear lever. The parking brake releases automatically, and as you slowly ease off the brake, the car will start creeping forward. For acceleration, lightly tap the throttle—don’t stomp on it, as the car has strong low-end torque and will lunge forward with just a gentle press. Be even gentler when starting in the rain, as the quattro all-wheel drive delivers powerful torque, and aggressive throttle input can easily cause tire slip. For hill starts, simply press the throttle—the auto-hold function keeps the car steady, making it much more worry-free than older cars.

[Jimenez]

When driving an automatic Audi, remember these three core steps: Press the brake to start → Shift to D gear → Release the brake and accelerate. The key lies in throttle control: Audi's throttle is sensitive at the initial stage, responding with just a light press of about one centimeter, similar to gently clicking a mouse. During traffic jams, idling and creeping are sufficient—frequent throttle presses may cause jerking. Starting in S mode will rev the engine up to 2000 RPM, offering strong acceleration but higher fuel consumption. After a cold start, wait for the tachometer to drop to 800 RPM before moving to protect the transmission. Also, don’t shift to P gear at traffic lights! In case of a rear-end collision, it could damage the transmission. Keeping it in D gear with the brake pressed or using the auto-hold function is safer.

[VanReese]

The startup procedure is actually simple: power on for self-check → press brake to ignite → shift to D gear → release handbrake → release brake to start. The key is to develop good habits: adjust mirrors and seat first after entering, fasten seatbelt before ignition. Only shift gears when no warning lights are visible on the dashboard. Pay attention to surroundings when releasing brakes - the Audi A4 creeps quickly at idle, so be cautious in narrow underground garage lanes. Break the old habit of coasting in neutral, as it harms automatic transmissions. In emergencies, stomping the brake will trigger auto start-stop to shut off the engine; just lightly tap the accelerator to restart - no need to panic.