Audi Service & MAINTENANCE
Audi is arguably one of the best European brands of all time – from perfomance to technology, Audi leads the pack. To ensure your performance stays at optimal levels, proper Audi service & maintenance must be completed.
Why Is routine Audi service important?
Audi vehicles are hands down high performance machines – especially the coveted “S-Line” models. So, to keep them running at their best, it is very important to properly maintain and service your vehicle.
It’s no secret new and used car prices are rising faster than ever. Because Audi uses the latest technology and finely tunes their vehicles, regular Audi service helps you protect your investment – because Audi’s are truly a luxury ride you pay for!
Read on to learn more about the importance of routine maintenance, and what specifically you should be considering for your Audi service routine!
An Ideal Audi Service Schedule
Audi vehicles are part of the larger VW group, but do have a very different service routine and intervals when compared to their VW cousins. As with any make and model European vehicle, it is important that you get familiar with the manufacturer suggested maintenance. You can find this information in your manual, online, or simply stop by and ask us!
At Melbourne Motorsports, we’re Audi experts! Audi vehicles are truly some of of our favorites, and we intimately know what makes them tick – and what commonly fails on them. We will also keep you informed about your particular vehicles health and needs before they become a massive repair bill!
Oil changes
We know we just made sure to remind you to follow Audi guidelines for parts and service, but we’re going to now ask you to ignore that for a moment! As with other manufactures like BMW, Audi suggests very long intervals between oil changes. In fact, Audi says you should be fine going 10,000 miles between oil changes.
Although fully synthetic oil is used in Audi’s, you should not wait 10,000 miles between oil changes. Audi makes this claim to keep cost of ownership numbers down, but in fact waiting this long for an oil change may negatively impact your engine.
So, what do we suggest? For Audi vehicles that have less than 70,000 miles ,we recommend an oil change interval of no more than 7,500 miles. If your Audi is higher mileage and is ivoer 70,000 miles, we recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles.
Keeping your oil fresh is on of the most powerful things you can do to keep your Audi’s performance up – as well as the longevity of your vehicle!
As a note, for all performance models we also recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles because of the increased demands on your powertrain.
Air and Cabin Filters
Audi recommends changing the air and cabin filters every 20,000 miles. Your vehicle’s system notifies you when this service is due.
At MMS, we suggest inspecting the status of these filters every service to determine their health instead of replacing them solely upon mileage. We always want what is best for our customers, and never try to sell anything that is not truly needed. If your air filters look good, even at the 20,000 mile mark, we’ll let you know the service is not needed.
Why does Audi suggest air filters be inspected more than every 20,000 miles?
Air needs to pass through multiple systems to keep a functional engine. However, if the filters become clogged, air cannot pass properly through the engine, resulting in potential failure and engine problems. Cabin air filter help keep the air you breath clean, which is important for your health!
Brake Fluid
You should flush your Audi’s brake fluid every 30,000 miles or every 3 years, whichever comes first. If you have a performance Audi or have built a track car, the brake fluid should be changed more often.
Brake fluid breaks down with time and use. It if breaks down too far, you’ll lose pressure in the system. This means you may go to press the brake expecting to stop, but your pedal goes right to the floor.
Coolant/Antifreeze Replacement
Audi recommends. a coolant flush every 40,000 miles or whenever. apart of the cooling system like the radiator, thermostat, hoses, heater core, etc., is replaced.
The only coolant or antifreeze to use for an Audi is designated as G12 or G13. This coolant is pink or almost light-purple in color.
Remember, never mix coolants! If you have to add coolant in a pinch, use water instead (preferably distilled water).
Transmission Service
Transmissions vary greatly on Audi vehicles based on the year and model that you own. For this reason, it is very important to refer to your owner’s manual to determine when this service is due. Other than your oil, making sure your transmission is serviced properly is very important on your Audi. S-Line models have Audi’s “S-Tronic” transmissions that are. a true dual clutch, high-performance transmission. If you drive hard, a lot of pressure is placed on this cirital component. Don’t try and service it yourself!
Tire Rotations
Extending the life of your Audi’s tires as much by simply rotating your tires as possible will save you money in the long run. We suggest the following rotation schedule:
Standard Audis: Rotate your tires every other oil change.
Audi SUV: Rotate the tires at every oil change.
By rotating your tires on this schedule, you’ll keep tread wear even and help maintain proper vehicle traction, handling, and safety.
Timing Belts and Chains
Timing belt replacement is one of the most critical services on an Audi based on a specific mileage interval. Failure to adhere to a timing belt’s recommended replacement interval causes major engine damage if the belt breaks. Most Audi engines need a timing belt replacement around the 80,000 to 90,000 mile mark.
Timing chain failure is more rare, especially since typically your Audi will warn you there is an issue before failure occurs. If you notice your engine is running rough, you’re hearing clicking noise under the hood, and/or a check engine light is on, make sure to get your Audi service as soon as possible to avoid larger problems.
Spark Plugs
Audi has a recommended schedule for different engine types based on your model. Although this may seem like a routine Audi service, your spark plugs directly impact your engine performance and health.
Spark plugs play an important role in the engine running and firing correctly. If spark plugs begin to become worn, they begin “misfiring.” This means they don’t ignite and fire properly.
There are many reasons a spark plug misfire is dangerous to a Audi engine:
The most serious issue is the catalytic converter becoming damaged due to the misfires. Replacing a catalytic converter is a costly repair usually avoided by simply following the engine’s spark plug replacement schedule.
Choosing Proper Fluids for your Audi
Never, under any circumstances, use a fluid in your Audi that claims to be universal. Your Audi’s fluids are literally the lifeblood of your car, allowing all of the critical components and functionality to work as they should. Even though you may save a few bucks by choosing a less expensive fluid, it’s not worth it in the long run. Read on to learn more about the fluids we recommend for your Audi!
The Right Oil for Your Audi
Each engine has two specific requirements when choosing the correct oil: the oil’s weight and the “Add Pack” designation.
The oil’s weight helps maintain proper pressuse in your crankcase as well as ensuring your engine is properly lubricated.
The Add Pack is the designated amount of additional chemicals in the oil to improve the oil’s performance.
Add Pack additives contain a variety of chemicals. However, if this oil is not right for your vehicle, these chemicals can do more harm than good.
This is why using a high quality, OEM approved oil is important. Also, if you use the wrong oil you may in fact void your factory warranty.
Coolant and Antifreeze Fluids
As we said before, the only coolant or antifreeze to use in a Audi is designated G12 or G13 and is light pink or purple in color. If you need to add fluid due to a slight leak before a repair is performed, use distilled water. Coolant that is not designed for your Audi make cause problems, including the failure of your cooling system.
The Right Audi Gasoline
Most vehicles have the minimum octane rating either on the gas cap or on a decal inside the fuel door. For Audis or any European car, even if the label or cap states a particular octane rating, it is advised to use a higher octane or premium fuel (91 or 93).
Why do we recommend a higher octane fuel?
Higher octane fuels will burn cleaner, leaving less residual build up on your engine components. This way, you can get a little extra life out of your engine!
Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Audi cars use a mineral-based hydraulic fluid (CHF-11) for their power steering systems. This is not a typical ATF-type fluid so make sure you check the bottle!
Non-scheduled Audi Service
Just like any other manufacturer’s vehicle, you should expect and plan for other necessary maintenance. This includes wear items like tires, brakes, suspension bushings/components, and batteries.
It also includes services not based on a schedule, such as tire alignments. A lot of these no-scheduled service items are dependent how your drive and maintain your vehicle.
When you work with a trusted local shop, they should keep you informed about these items, and when you need to repair them. Left unchecked, they can cause significant repair bills down the road that could have potentially been avoided.
These non-scheduled maintenances are required of any vehicle, but the intent of following the above guidelines and keeping scheduled maintenance and proper fluids in your Audi reduces the cost and likelihood of other more costly expenses and repairs over your Audi’s life.
Audi Service — Melbourne Motorsports
Melbourne Motorsports is your trusted resource for Audi service on the Space Coast. Whether you need a major repair or a simple oil change, we’re here to help.The need for service and repairs happen with any make and model vehicle – not just Audis. However, as a Audi owner, it’s best to stay on top of your services and routine wear and tear items so you can avoid these unforeseen repairs and higher repair bills.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, for the latest in all things European cars!