Signs Your Audi Needs A Service
Owning an Audi isn’t just about driving a car—it’s about experiencing the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Known for their speed, comfort, and durability, Audis are a testament to world-class craftsmanship and innovation. In other words, an Audi is an investment, even if you never plan on reselling it. This is why you need to make sure you get regular services, to maintain the longevity of your investment. But how do you know that your Audi needs a service? Let’s explore key maintenance schedules, warning signs, and how to keep your Audi in top shape.
How Often Should You Service Your Audi?
Even with exceptional engineering, regular maintenance is crucial to keep your Audi running at its best. Here’s a quick guide: ​​​​​​
- Service Intervals: Every 20,000 miles or two years, starting at 5,000 miles—whichever comes first.
- Oil Changes: Every 7,500–10,000 miles or annually.
These routine checkups ensure your Audi performs at peak levels, offering the performance and reliability you expect.
How Your Audi Alerts You It’s Time for Maintenance
Modern Audis have a feature in the car’s computer that will notify you about four weeks before it is due for a service. Around this time, your check engine light should turn on, indicating that you need a service. There should also be a feature on your vehicle’s Multi-Media Interface (MMI) that you can access through the infotainment screen in your system settings. To access your service information do the following:
- While the keys are in the ignition press the CAR button
- Then use the MMI rotary knob to select Servicing & Checks or Service Internal Display
- Then select Service Intervals to find out when you need your next service
Additionally, there is the myAudi app, which provides you with real-time information on your Audi, including its service history. If you need vehicle maintenance before your service schedule, your Audi’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) will send an alert to your dashboard.
Red Flags Requiring Immediate Attention
Strange noises or smells coming from your engine are important signs that you need to schedule an appointment with your audi service specialist.
Strange Noises, Smells, or Leaks
Audis are built to be smooth and quiet, so unusual sounds or odors signal potential problems:
- Sweet Smell: Could indicate a coolant leak.
- Burning Odor: May suggest oil leaks or overheating brake pads.
- Grinding or Squeaking Brakes: These sounds mean worn brake pads or overheating.
​​​Additionally, regularly inspect underneath your vehicle for leaks. Some examples:
- Power Steering Fluid: Brown or red fluid near the front of the car.
- Coolant: Pink, green, orange, or blue-green liquid under the vehicle.
- Brake Fluid: Yellow or brown puddles.​​​​​​
Loss of Power and Fuel Efficiency
If your vehicle’s fuel consumption increases, that is a warning sign that something may be wrong with your Audi and you should take it in for a service. These problems, such as low tire pressure or dirty air filters, may be relatively easy to fix. If your tires are under inflated this can increase the drag on your car as it moves at speed, higher drag means more energy is needed to move your car, increasing the amount of fuel you use.
If you feel a loss of power when driving your Audi, this is a bigger issue. Audis are built with precision and quality, they are made to be responsive. If your vehicle is not as responsive as it once was, this could mean there are issues with your fuel filter, air filters, or a blocked exhaust pipe which would need to be fixed during your Audi’s service.
Fuel filters can be clogged with moisture and debris from your fuel. This debris usually comes into your fuel when it’s delivered at the gas station. When the fuel filter is clogged it makes it harder for your engine to pull gas making it slow to respond as it struggles to get the fuel it needs.
Over time your air filters will get dirty as you drive your car. Once they become too dirty for air to pass through them normally they will start to restrict airflow to your engine. Cars run on combustive energy, and for combustive energy to happen you need oxygen.
Your exhaust pipe can get blocked by dirt and debris coming into your exhaust as you drive, or from soot and carbon buildup from the catalytic converter. This soot comes from fuel not burning properly in your engine causing it to build up over time. A blocked exhaust pipe creates back pressure causing your Audi to work harder to push out exhaust gases causing strain on your engine and lowering its performance.
If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle’s power, it is critical that you get your Audi serviced immediately.
Foreign Affairs Motorsport – Your Premiere Audi Service Center
Every Audi is a masterpiece, and proper care ensures yours remains a joy to drive. Regular servicing keeps your investment in pristine condition, extending its lifespan and maximizing performance.
​​​​​​At Foreign Affairs Motorsport in Pompano Beach, we offer expert Audi services tailored to your car’s needs. From routine maintenance to addressing red flags, our comprehensive packages ensure your Audi receives the care it deserves. Don’t wait for issues to escalate—schedule your service today and keep your Audi at its best for years to come.