8 Tips for Keeping Your Audi Well-Maintained
All proud Audi owners know that their Audi is no ordinary car, and thus, it deserves to be treated with the highest level of care suited to its innovative European design and tech. For your Audi to last as long as possible, you must ensure you stay on top of maintenance — after all, if you take care of her, she’ll take care of you. But what must you do above and beyond a regular service to keep her in peak running condition?
1. Have regular oil changes
Audi is an elite car brand, but just as with every other type of vehicle, it requires a regular oil change to run smoothly. Generally, all cars should have their oil changed every 15,000km, which Audi recommends. However, you will need to check your owner’s manual to know the specifics of your particular model.
2. Keep both the interior and exterior clean
Keeping your car clean, inside and out, is more than just about making it look aesthetically pleasing; it is essential to keep it in optimal working condition. Cleaning your car’s interior and exterior removes dirt, bugs, excrement, pollen, salt, dust and grime. The benefit of keeping your car free of contaminants is that you will be able to help preserve the paint job and prevent corrosive damage. Keeping the car clean also enhances your safety, as dirt can obscure your visibility on the windows and mirrors, especially in low light. A clean car with a well-maintained interior and exterior will fetch a better price if you ever want to sell it.
3. Park mindfully
Accidents can happen in the most unexpected places, and while you may drive safely to avoid crashes, a lot of damage occurs in parking lots. It just takes a person parking too close to your car, not concentrating as they open their door or even a strong gust of wind, and you’ve got a scratch or dent on your Audi. Park with enough space between yourself and other cars, and turn your wheels away from the curb to protect your Audi from damage also, where you park your car at home and work matters. It is best not to leave it parked in direct sunlight or in salty areas, as exposure to the elements can cause corrosion.
4. Have it inspected annually
Prevention is always better than cure, and just you would take yourself to the doctor for a checkup, and take your Audi for an inspection at least once a year. By having your car inspected you can make sure that everything is in good condition and you can pick up on any problems before they become serious issues.
5. Use genuine parts
When you need to replace a part or accessory, ensure you only use genuine Audi parts — especially if you need to replace something related to the engine. There’s a possibility that if you use aftermarket parts there could be compatibility issues.
6. Replace fluids regularly
Replacing your car’s fluids regularly is key to helping it stay well-lubricated and cool for optimal operation. When leaving fluids for too long, they can become contaminated and can negatively affect the lifespan of your Audi’s engine. Fluids to be replaced regularly include:
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
- Motor oil
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Windshield wiper fluid
7. Check belts and hoses regularly
Maintaining your Audi’s belts and hoses is just as important as looking after the engine itself, because if you spring a leak, or a belt snaps, your car will start overheating or worse, and there goes your engine head. So, make a habit of checking your belts and hoses regularly to make sure there is no cracking or fraying, or general wear and tear.
8. Rotate tyres
Your tyres are prone to general wear and tear due to them being exposed to the hard surface of the road every day. So, if you want to keep your tyres in good knick, you need to rotate them every 15,00km.
How often should your Audi be serviced?
Audis require a basic service at least once for every 10,000 to 15,000km that it has travelled, or at least once a year. Between 30,000 and 45,000km, it’s recommended that you have a major service performed. However, different models may require shorter intervals, so it’s important to check your car owner’s manual for your Audi’s specific requirements. Learn more about getting an Audi serviced here!
Final Thoughts
Audis are designed to outperform and outlast most cars, but this does require you to do your part and ensure that they’re well-maintained. Besides taking your Audi for regular services, there are a few additional things that should be non-negotiable, so stick to following the tips discussed on a regular basis, and your Audi should be running smoothly for years to come.
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