Between work, a social life, and personal well-being, it’s easy for our to-do lists to fall by the wayside, never to be seen, heard of, or thought about again.
Unfortunately, car maintenance is usually on that list.
As long as our vehicles can transport us from point A to point B, they’re fine, right?
WRONG.
Our vehicles require routine maintenance to ensure they stay on the road and out of the shop. While it may be easy to ignore the squeaking of your brakes, it could cost you later.
Our team has created the ultimate checklist for maintaining your Audi, from signs it’s time to visit a service center to a breakdown of your maintenance schedule. So, keep reading to learn how to care for your ride and keep it in top condition for years to come!
The Importance of Car Care and Maintenance
While visiting a service center every few months may seem excessive, performing regular car maintenance can help keep your Audi in good working order and prevent expensive repairs in the future.
According to Kelley Blue Book, routine vehicle upkeep not only helps you avoid expensive repairs but also helps retain your car’s value when it comes time to sell or trade it in.
While some car care tasks can be handled in your driveway, others may require the expertise and tools of an experienced mechanic. The factory-trained Audi technicians in our Audi service center utilize the latest diagnostic equipment and genuine OEM parts to keep your Audi in optimal condition and ready for the road ahead.
Signs It’s Time to Visit an Audi Service Center Near You
Whether you've just driven your vehicle off the lot or have had it for several years, no vehicle is safe from the unexpected.
Your car will often tell you when there’s a problem, so it’s essential to your vehicle’s upkeep to listen and look for signs that maintenance is needed.
Some issues to look out for may include:
Braking Difficulties
Have you heard a squeaking or scraping sound when you step on the brakes? Or maybe you’ve noticed that you’ve had to press the brakes a little harder each drive? This could be a sign that your brakes are wearing out or failing. This requires immediate attention.
Lacking Acceleration
If your vehicle’s performance has changed, such as a lack of acceleration when you step on the gas, it could indicate that you need new spark plugs or an engine tune-up.
Vibration
If you notice that your vehicle starts to shake or vibrate when starting, turning, or stopping, it could indicate a mechanical problem. Common causes of vibrations may indicate an issue with the wheels or worn suspension components, but it could also be a sign of larger issues with the engine.
Shifting Problems
Automatic transmissions are designed to shift gears easily. When you start to experience hard shifts or lurching, this could indicate a transmission problem or failure.
Warning Lights
One of the most obvious signs of an issue lies just beyond the steering wheel. Your dashboard will light up when specific mechanical components or systems are failing or need immediate maintenance. Whether it's your check engine light or the one indicating an Audi oil change is needed, it’s crucial to pay attention to your warning lights.
Your Audi Maintenance Schedule: Answering How Often and When to Get a Car Checkup!
Knowing when to schedule an appointment for Audi maintenance near you can be confusing. How do you know when it’s time to check coolant levels? Does every visit to the Audi service center require a tire rotation?
Don’t worry! We are here to help!
Monthly Checkup
Maintaining your Audi doesn’t just come down to your mechanic–it’s up to you to ensure that your car is in proper condition. Every month, take some time to check out these elements on your Audi visually:
- Fog lights, turn signals, brake lights, and parking lights
- Oil and coolant levels
- Tire pressure and tread depth
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Air filter
Three-Month Checkup
When you’ve hit the three-month mark with your vehicle, it’s time to visit your Audi service center! Our mechanics will ensure the following elements are in proper working order:
- Oil and filters
- Battery and cables (no evidence of corrosion or leaks)
- Belts and hoses (no evidence of cracks, frays, or leaks)
- Power steering fluid
- Wiper blades
Six-Month Checkup
The six-month check-in for Audi service near you will focus on your battery, suspension system, and tires. At this appointment, we will:
- Rotate tires
- Look for and repair any damage to the exhaust system
- Perform a battery performance check
- Provide lubrication to the chassis, steering, and suspension system if needed
Long-Term Maintenance and Care
Owning an Audi is a long-term commitment that requires regular care to keep it running smoothly. Keep these numbers in mind to help you track your maintenance schedule, or ask our certified Audi technicians for assistance.
- Change tires every 6-10 years and check tread depth often
- Replace your battery after five years
- Replace the timing belt between 60,000 and 90,000 miles
- Replace the fuel filter at 30,000 miles (or based on the manufacturer's guidelines)
- Change transmission fluid between 30,000 and 60,000 miles in a manual transmission and between 30,000 and 100,000 miles in an automatic transmission
Is Your Audi Due for a Checkup? Schedule an Appointment at Audi Charlotte Today!
Whether you are a first-time Audi owner or are on your second or third model, it’s never too late to start learning about car maintenance!
Our Audi service center is committed to helping you keep your ride in top shape, ensuring you stay safe on the road instead of waiting in the waiting room for a vehicle repair.
Schedule your appointment for Audi service in Charlotte, NC, today!
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Audi Maintenance
