You’ve done it. You’ve made the big purchase. That Audi you’ve been eyeing for the past few years is finally yours. But, after breaking the bank, how can you be sure to keep your fine machine in working order? After your investment, it’s important to give your Audi the attention it needs in order to keep functioning at top notch.
As it’s a European brand, caring for an Audi can be intimidating. However, most Audis require the same sort of maintenance you’d expect from any car. The key is to regularly check your Audi’s systems. Here’s a basic checklist and timeline for what you ought to have checked and how often you should have it done.
At the 5k Mark
● Brake System: Check your brake pads for thickness at 5k miles. For every 10k miles after that, check the brake system for leaks and damage, along with checking the thickness of your pads.
● Engine Oil/Oil FIlter: Audi recommends you have your oil and the filter checked at 5k miles, and then changed every 10k miles after that.
● Rotate Tires: Rotate your tires every 5k miles.
● Tires and Spare: Check the pressure on your tires and assess the wear and tear at the 5k mark, and then every 10k miles. After the first 10k on a set of tires, make sure you are aware of their renewal date.
At the 15k Mark
● Battery: Have your battery checked at the 15k mark, and then every 20k miles after that.
● Cooling System: Check your cooling system for leaks and damages at 15k miles, and then every 20k after that.
● Exhaust System: Check your exhaust system for leaks and damage at 15k miles, and then every 20k miles after that.
● Transmission: For both automatic and manual transmissions, check for leaks at 15k and then every 20k miles after that.
At the 35k Mark
● Spark Plugs: This one depends on your engine. If you have a 2012 or 2013 engine, depending on the model you will need to have the spark plugs replaced every 35k miles (and then every 40k after that) or every 55k miles (and every 60k after that), or every six years, whichever comes first. If you have an older model, the mileage is the same, but the spark plugs will only last three years for some engines, as opposed to six.
This is only a basic list. When you have your Audi checked at the 15k mark and every 20k after that, your mechanic will also check things like your timing belt, axles, power steering fluid, headlight washers, and door hinges.
A general rule would be to have your Audi checked every 10k miles. Some maintenance (like assessing the cooling and exhaust systems and checking the battery) only needs to be done every 20k miles, and you need to have your tires rotated every 5k miles. For the average driver, this means having your Audi checked at least once a year, and having your tires checked every six months.
The most important thing you can keep in mind is not to neglect your Audi. Don’t fall into the temptation to ignore or skip regular checkups. Take your Audi into a dealership for repair as often as necessary and it’ll keep running as smoothly as it did the day you bought it.
RC Automotive is a 5th generation car dealership and service center located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. We pride ourselves in offering highest quality and uncompromising service. At RC Automotive we provide all makes and models and specialize in Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen sales and repair.
Our goal is to provide you a positive car buying experience while retaining you as customer for life. We believe in taking care of the people who take care of us! With our reputation of buying and selling automobiles combined with our superior customer service, RC Automotive is one of the leading used auto dealerships in the state of Utah.
