Audi A3  Service and care  Checking and topping up fluids  Filling the tank
Plug-in hybrid drive*: Please note the information for fuelling on Link.
When refuelling with natural gas, please note the additional information and warnings Link.
The fuel tank flap is unlocked and locked automatically by the central locking system.
Unscrewing the tank cap
Press the left side of the flap to open it -arrow- Fig. 1.
Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise.
Hook the cap onto the open flap Fig. 2.
Closing the tank cap
Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it clicks audibly.
Close the tank flap. Make sure you hear it click into place.
When the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly it will switch itself off as soon as the tank is "full". Do not try to put in more fuel after the nozzle cuts out, as this will fill the expansion chamber in the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the inside of the tank flap. Further notes on fuel Link.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data section Link.
WARNING!
Fuel is highly inflammable and can cause serious burns and other injuries.
  • For safety reasons always switch off the auxiliary heating* before refuelling the vehicle.
  • When filling your tank or a spare fuel canister with fuel, do not smoke and keep away from naked flames – risk of explosion!
  • Observe all relevant statutory regulations on using, storing and transporting spare fuel canisters.
  • For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel canister in the vehicle. The canister could become damaged in an accident and leak.
  • If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel canister, please observe the following warnings:
    • Never fill fuel into the spare fuel canister with the canister placed in or on top of the vehicle. An electrostatic charge could build up during filling, causing the fuel vapour to ignite – risk of explosion! Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
    • Insert the filler nozzle as far as possible into the spare fuel canister.
    • If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle must be in contact with the canister during filling. This helps prevent an electrostatic charge building up.
    • Make sure you never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel vapour is explosive – danger to life!
Caution!
  • If any fuel is spilt onto the vehicle, it should be removed immediately as it could otherwise damage the paintwork.
  • Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel supply, misfiring can occur. As a result unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and cause damage to the catalytic converter(s).
  • When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a vehicle with a diesel engine the ignition must be switched on for at least 30 seconds without starting the engine. When you then start the engine it may take longer than normal (up to one minute) for the engine to start firing. This is because air needs to be bled from the fuel system while starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not overfill the fuel tank – this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.
Note
Fuel can age and cause starting problems. We recommend refuelling your vehicle within six months.
Note
Diesel vehicles are equipped with an incorrect fuelling protection system1). This system ensures that the tank can only be fuelled from a diesel filler nozzle.
  • If the filler nozzle is old, damaged or too small, it may not be able to open the protection mechanism on the fuel tank. In this case, try turning the filler nozzle before inserting it in the fuel filler neck, use a different filling pump or seek professional assistance.
  • The protection mechanism will not open if you try to add fuel from a spare fuel canister. You can get round this simply by adding the diesel fuel slowly.
1) May vary in different countries

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