Towing (other cars out of snow banks) and the DSG -- What's the verdict?

[hotleadsingergu]

Good morning!

I bought a 2015 S4 around 3 weeks ago, and I'm loving the thing. I have to drop it off at the dealership in a week to fix a starter problem, but otherwise the ride has been wonderful so far. I just have some questions before winter hits:

I've driven stick my entire life, with this only being my second car with an automatic. The first was a 2012 Focus Titanium that I traded 18 months later because the DCT in that car was completely broken and Ford refused to do anything about it. I was hesitant to buy another dual-clutch system, but I know the tranny in the newer S4s is rock-solid, so I pulled the trigger. I love it, but I want to make sure that I don't do anything that could negatively affect that performance and life longevity. Will pulling the occasional car out of heavy snow affect it much? The DSG slips the clutch quite a bit on purpose in times like that, so what would be the best way of doing it...gun the accelerator, or ease it at the grip point?

I know there are built-in safeguards for clutch temperature and whatnot, but I just want to make sure I'm not stripping the clutches by being helpful to those in need =P

Thanks!

[The Fat Kid]

Trying to pull a car with the S4 seems like a terrible idea. Join AAA if you come across a lot of stranded cars, and they will assist if you are at the scene.

I live in a very snowy area and have helped push, and dig out, neighbors' cars but would NOT use my S4 as a tow truck.

[Fobia]

why would this be something that happens so frequently??

[hotleadsingergu]

OK to clarify...I'm not doing this every day. Not sure why anyone would assume this is a standard occurrence lol but I live in Cleveland, where the snow falls like a heavy blanket. There are times it's not easy to get out of a driveway. I wouldn't be pulling someone out of a ditch or something, but rather out of a driveway or parked on the side of the street in the city (where the plows will sometimes just push the snow right up against them). We're talking places where an AWD car can easily get in/out of, but a FWD or RWD car might be having some trouble.

[torinalth]

First question would be - Do you really want to subject a 55k+ car to the exertion of pulling another vehicle?
Second question - Do you really owe people that much where you need to subject an expensive car to potential damage for someone else that can get help elsewhere?
Third question - have you considered selling the S4 for a subaru? it'll work in this application much better.

That aside, if you still want to go through with it, then ANY vehicle can be utilized for this prospect. Look online for S4 tow hooks and the instructions should show where the frame is strong and gives you a location to latch up to. Use a recovery strap that has give instead of a chain or belt that is sturdy as it will lessen the impact on your vehicle. I seriously doubt the act of pulling people out will affect the DSG in any way. If it can take a 400 HP clutch dump on sticky tires then I feel it'll brush off the minimal slipping it'll go through since this even is "so rare". it's an auto, so you will transition between light throttle and it attempting to move and into tires slipping (or other car moving) before it can really get a change to harm the internal clutch structure on the DSG.

and the last plea, go buy an old ass Bronco XLT (heavy, large tires, 4wd) and use that for pulling people out and spare the S4.

[jmeenach]

I would be hesitant to do something like that with an S4, and not just for the transmission's sake. I have pulled countless cars from ditches, snowbanks, etc. growing up in Colorado, and I always reserved that duty for my Cummins.

[sacandagaD]

Is this a legitimate thread? Someone has a brand new S4 and wants to tow cars with it?

While I applaud the kindness gesture, I can see nothing but bad coming from it. If something breaks, don't tell the dealer, or they will probably void your warranty.

[The Fat Kid]

OK to clarify...I'm not doing this every day. Not sure why anyone would assume this is a standard occurrence lol but I live in Cleveland, where the snow falls like a heavy blanket. There are times it's not easy to get out of a driveway. I wouldn't be pulling someone out of a ditch or something, but rather out of a driveway or parked on the side of the street in the city (where the plows will sometimes just push the snow right up against them). We're talking places where an AWD car can easily get in/out of, but a FWD or RWD car might be having some trouble.

I am still not sure why you need to use the S4 to pull out a car... We got 110"+ of snow last year and at no point did I need, or consider using, my car to pull neighbors out.

Step 1. Get a shovel
Step 2. Dig
Step 3. Push
Step 4. Wreck S4 trying to be a hero OR call tow truck

Stump removal is also a good side business since the S4 has AWD and lots of torque

[hotleadsingergu]

You guys are taking this like I'm planning on going around the neighborhood pulling civics out of 4ft of snow. I'm talking about *potentially* a single car every year or two that's stuck in a driveway that I'm in (either at my house or a friend's that we both happen to be at), and pulling it like 2ft just so they can get moving on their own. I have no interest in breaking my car, but my primary concern is helping friends.

For the people that would rather their friends call a tow truck than helping pull them out of your driveway...you're adhering to the Audi stigma. I don't let people get my car dirty and I'm not going to destroy my car to help people, but if the risk is minimal and it'll help people in need...I'll do it. It's a ****ing car...if the $60k you spent on this car is worth that much to you, I'd argue you shouldn't have spent $60k on a car.

I can't believe I've gotten this much negativity from this forum for basically asking "How much can I help those in need?"

[theswoleguy]

ahahahahaha that video... If i feel so inclined to help I will use my F250. If the snow is that bad, I am in the F250 anyway. While I commend the effort/thought. We had the snowpocolypse here two years ago and I was out for 6 hours pulling people and watching other people pulling and sliding into either the stranded or the stranded sliding into the rescuer NAH you can bump my F250 and I'd probably shrug and walk away. The s4 getting struck would make me sad, and there's a lot of people that don't know how to be rescued.

[LINDW4LL]

I can't believe I've gotten this much negativity from this forum for basically asking "How much can I help those in need?"

To give you a serious answer, there shouldn't be any issue with what you're describing.

[blackfunk]

You'll be fine dude. It ain't a Ferrari. I get annoyed when people on here act as such. There's a tow rating somewhere in the manual so its possible.

[MrFunk]

Technically if it's within whatever the load rating is for the car you are fine.
I wouldn't do it for all the obvious reasons... I agree with the subaru comment above... maybe you need more rugged a vehicle??
BTW - the AT in these cars are not bullet proof - it's one of the very few costly known issue right now with this platform are mechatronics unit failures... do a search
That tree strump vid is hilarious... just one of the many reasons LOL...

For some reason this thread reminds me of this vid... wrong tool for the job...

[sacandagaD]

I can see a new thread coming " I towed an m3 yesterday...."

[LINDW4LL]

... wrong tool for the job...

You guys do realize that he's literally talking about simply pulling a car out of a ditch/snow bank, right?

[The Fat Kid]

You guys are taking this like I'm planning on going around the neighborhood pulling civics out of 4ft of snow. I'm talking about *potentially* a single car every year or two that's stuck in a driveway that I'm in (either at my house or a friend's that we both happen to be at), and pulling it like 2ft just so they can get moving on their own. I have no interest in breaking my car, but my primary concern is helping friends.

For the people that would rather their friends call a tow truck than helping pull them out of your driveway...you're adhering to the Audi stigma. I don't let people get my car dirty and I'm not going to destroy my car to help people, but if the risk is minimal and it'll help people in need...I'll do it. It's a ****ing car...if the $60k you spent on this car is worth that much to you, I'd argue you shouldn't have spent $60k on a car.

I can't believe I've gotten this much negativity from this forum for basically asking "How much can I help those in need?"

Dude, this has nothing to do with being an Audi snob. I probably spent 24+ hours last winter digging out and pushing neighbors' cars in freeze-ass-cold temps.

Why not use your S4 to go around picking up furniture donations for the Salvation Army? Come on, it is only a car and you would be helping those in need!

[The Fat Kid]

I can see a new thread coming " I towed an m3 yesterday...."

More like, "I tried to pull a car a couple feet and now have this weird clunk..."

[sacandagaD]

More like, "I tried to pull a car a couple feet and now have this weird clunk..."

Would the Sport diff kick-in, or should you turn off ESP first?

Seriously OP, I'm no Audi snob, I'm just not going to use a rock, instead of a hammer to pound in a nail, even though both might work.

[hotleadsingergu]

Dude, this has nothing to do with being an Audi snob. I probably spent 24+ hours last winter digging out and pushing neighbors' cars in freeze-ass-cold temps.

Why not use your S4 to go around picking up furniture donations for the Salvation Army? Come on, it is only a car and you would be helping those in need!

No, it definitely has everything to do with being an Audi snob. It's a $60k car, not a $600k car. Don't be a dick by making it out to seem like I'm just a masochist thrashing my car to help people. Obviously this is not the car meant for pulling people out of snow banks or driveways, but it's the car I own. I'm not going to go out and buy a 4x4 truck to help people, but if I'm in the moment where a friend needs a bit of help to get on the road and I'm already there...I'd like to do what I can.

If the options are:
1) Friend spends $30 to get a tow truck
2) We both spend 20 minutes shoveling and pushing
3) I hook up the tow cable and pull him out in 2 minutes tops

I'm going with option #3. As I said before, if you're that worried about a car like this, you really shouldn't have spent money on it. I can't imagine the anxiety and heart problems this car causes for you. Every time a bird ****s on it must be horrible.

[jmeenach]

Where's blbroo when you need him? He always seems to have entertaining advice.

Anyway, for me it's not the cost of the car. It's just that it's not necessarily the tool for the job. And there is a good chance that if it is a pickup or suv (even if it's small), the weight difference will be so much that you won't even pull them out, assuming they are really stuck. If you want to hook a strap up to your tow hook and go for it, then by all means do it.

[torinalth]

No, it definitely has everything to do with being an Audi snob. It's a $60k car, not a $600k car. Don't be a dick by making it out to seem like I'm just a masochist thrashing my car to help people. Obviously this is not the car meant for pulling people out of snow banks or driveways, but it's the car I own. I'm not going to go out and buy a 4x4 truck to help people, but if I'm in the moment where a friend needs a bit of help to get on the road and I'm already there...I'd like to do what I can.

If the options are:
1) Friend spends $30 to get a tow truck
2) We both spend 20 minutes shoveling and pushing
3) I hook up the tow cable and pull him out in 2 minutes tops

I'm going with option #3. As I said before, if you're that worried about a car like this, you really shouldn't have spent money on it. I can't imagine the anxiety and heart problems this car causes for you. Every time a bird ****s on it must be horrible.

I get where you are coming from, but I think you are just as single minded as those you are criticizing. You want to help, and you will help with whatever you have to use. So you intend to use a 60k luxury sport car to pull people in the snow. No, it's not that terrible but to some people it makes zero sense. I have a well built F150 setup specifically for ice/snow conditions and towing should the need arise. So, when the snow comes down I'd think it ludicrous to use the S4 in the way you intend. This is not Audi snobbery as you are so keen to judge others for. Why subject my 60k luxury car, when my truck outside will do the job better with near zero risk. no need to be so defensive, just understand how what you are asking comes across to others.

[hotleadsingergu]

I get where you are coming from, but I think you are just as single minded as those you are criticizing. You want to help, and you will help with whatever you have to use. So you intend to use a 60k luxury sport car to pull people in the snow. No, it's not that terrible but to some people it makes zero sense. I have a well built F150 setup specifically for ice/snow conditions and towing should the need arise. So, when the snow comes down I'd think it ludicrous to use the S4 in the way you intend. This is not Audi snobbery as you are so keen to judge others for. Why subject my 60k luxury car, when my truck outside will do the job better with near zero risk. no need to be so defensive, just understand how what you are asking comes across to others.

Right, except the scenario you're mentioning is obviously completely different. If I had a purpose-built truck I wouldn't be using my car to do it. Nobody in their right minds would, and I'd guess everyone on this forum would agree. If I tell you "I don't have one of those", that should then prematurely end the "Use a truck" guidelines. I can't believe it's that hard for people to imagine what life would be like if they *didn't* have the purpose-built vehicles in that case and just respond as such.

It *IS* Audi snobbery to deny a friend assistance in this way if it's the only car I have if it's not damaging the car in any kind of unreasonable way. Again, I'm not pulling people out of ditches or towing them to safety...I'm talking about once a year or every-other year pulling someone a foot because the snow is a bit too high for their car in their parking spot. For this exact reason, I wouldn't be pulling an SUV or truck...since the chances of them getting stuck in those situations is much slimmer.

It just seems like no matter how I explain what I'm talking about everyone just plugs that story into a weird story where I have a lifted 4x4 full-ton truck, a beater car, and my friends are stuck under 8ft of snow on the sides of cliffs. This is akin to asking "How fast does this car do 0-60?" and everybody responding with their Nürburgring times after Stage 3-ing a Ferrari, because why would you take an S4 to the Nürburgring??

[torinalth]

there shouldn't be any issue with what you're describing.

This is all you need to read then.

[Pilfer]

I could've used his help lol

[jmeenach]

I could've used his help lol

What happened dude?! Little too much of the skinny pedal?

[sacandagaD]

I could've used his help lol

After the warm welcome we gave him to the forum, I doubt he is going to be helping many AZ'ers around Cleveland, lol!

OP- It's all good, if you research this forum you see that this is just a very tough crowd, most of us have been flamed mercilessly for something.

[MrFunk]

^^ summer tires in winter conditions?

OP - if within the tow capacity of the car you are fine. Read your owners manual and there's your answer... Sorry for being an "Audi Snob" ... chuckle...

[hotleadsingergu]

It's fine lol I have a thick skin. I'm not bothered enough to not help anyone :) I was just surprised that was the response I received, that's all.

Pilfer: I think that one's a bit beyond where my assistance will be donated haha

[blackfunk]

I could've used his help lol

Just let it sit until the spring thaw. LOL

[anerbe]

How to tow someone out: Two words

Launch Control

You're welcome.

[blbroo]

Where's blbroo when you need him? He always seems to have entertaining advice.

Anyway, for me it's not the cost of the car. It's just that it's not necessarily the tool for the job. And there is a good chance that if it is a pickup or suv (even if it's small), the weight difference will be so much that you won't even pull them out, assuming they are really stuck. If you want to hook a strap up to your tow hook and go for it, then by all means do it.

How the hell am I famous in the S4 forum. G'dam I am seriously flattered here.

I found a pizza guy stuck with his corolla in 14" of snow last year and four other guys trying to push him out. Told them to stop, get in their cars and wait 10 minutes for me to come back. Brought three shovels and cat litter and the dude was out in five minutes. I'd use your car to get supplies or run down a truck. OR leave the car there that is stuck and give the dude a ride leaving the less capable car off of the roads.

That SUV video reminds me of the time I knocked myself out fishing when I was young. Had a big red "bobber" on and my hook was caught on a rock. the line broke below the bobber and it came flying back at me fast and BAM, "down goes Frazier".

"I towed an M3 yesterday" LMFAO.

edit. Just noticed jmeenach said this, another A4 guy.

[The Fat Kid]

How the hell am I famous in the S4 forum. G'dam I am seriously flattered here.

I found a pizza guy stuck with his corolla in 14" of snow last year and four other guys trying to push him out. Told them to stop, get in their cars and wait 10 minutes for me to come back. Brought three shovels and cat litter and the dude was out in five minutes. I'd use your car to get supplies or run down a truck. OR leave the car there that is stuck and give the dude a ride leaving the less capable car off of the roads.

That SUV video reminds me of the time I knocked myself out fishing when I was young. Had a big red "bobber" on and my hook was caught on a rock. the line broke below the bobber and it came flying back at me fast and BAM, "down goes Frazier".

"I towed an M3 yesterday" LMFAO.

edit. Just noticed jmeenach said this, another A4 guy.

Dude, you are just an Audi snob if you suggest something logical like shoveling.

[The Fat Kid]

How to tow someone out: Two words

Launch Control

You're welcome.

LOL! Just make sure you have someone recording that one!

[jokingjimmy]

Whew! That leaves us 6MT guys off the hook (pun intended).

Thanks anerbe!

[blbroo]

Whew! That leaves us 6MT guys off the hook (pun intended).

Thanks anerbe!

There is my excuse. I am not a snob The Fat Kid!

[nick71692]

congrats on buying the car...you will be fine...by the way I see you are from Cleveland and from your pic we are running similar cars...mine is 2014 Glacier White. Live in Medina area and work in the beachwood.

[dubspeed22]

thank you for all this laughter, great read.

while a good thought / fair question (im sure it would be fine), no need to be a hero. I wouldn't even want you pulling me out with your s4 (feeling bad / with risk of damaging either one of our cars), what neighbors / friends you got that would allow you to do that?

"need me to pull you out?"

"na, but help me find a truck.." hahah

[Victor Newman]

You need a $500 4wd Jeep Cherokee

[The Fat Kid]

There is my excuse. I am not a snob The Fat Kid!

It was just a joke because I already suggested shoveling/pushing, but that was considered Audi snobbery. I have helped dig out a lot of my neighbors' cars, and pretty sure we would have needed more than the S4 if shoveling/pushing were not enough.

I am still not sure why you need to use the S4 to pull out a car... We got 110"+ of snow last year and at no point did I need, or consider using, my car to pull neighbors out.

Step 1. Get a shovel
Step 2. Dig
Step 3. Push
Step 4. Wreck S4 trying to be a hero OR call tow truck

Stump removal is also a good side business since the S4 has AWD and lots of torque

[blbroo]

It was just a joke because I already suggested shoveling/pushing, but that was considered Audi snobbery. I have helped dig out a lot of my neighbors' cars, and pretty sure we would have needed more than the S4 if shoveling/pushing were not enough.

I know... :-)