If you own an Audi, no doubt you want it to be looked after right. When it comes to Audis, there are some things you should know in order to make sure the service has been done correctly so that the car is maintained in optimal condition. In this post we will come some basics of Audi servicing so you can ensure your service is done right and avoid problems.
Audi Servicing Basics
Most basic rules of servicing any car apply to Audis as well. Using quality oil and parts, and doing regular services at the recommended schedule will ensure that the car is maintained correctly. This is especially true on performance models which often require specific oils and get driven hard, so they need to be looked after properly as well.
Keeping track of the service history is also important to ensure you are doing services when they are due and to let any future owners of the car know what’s been done. A full service history will often result in a higher sale price too.
Are Audis Expensive to Service?
This question often comes up, as European cars often get the stigma of high maintenance and upkeep costs.
The truth is that Audis are not more expensive to service or maintain than any other car model that is in the similar range. BMWs, Mercedes and other high performance European cars all cost roughly the same, and often times its a lot less than most people think.
How Often Should You Service Your Audi?
Regular servicing of your Audi will ensure that all the mechanical components remain in good condition and the oils can do their job as they were designed. It will also increase the chances that any potential issues are spotted early and repaired before they become a major problem.
At Dodson, we recommend doing an engine service every 10,000 kms, and a transmission service every 60,000 kms.
Can My Audi Be Serviced Anywhere Or Do I Have to Take It To a Dealer?
No, you do not have to go to the Audi dealer to get your Audi serviced. Your Audi can be serviced by independent service shops.
However, there are a few things to be aware of.
Not all service garages are going to have the necessary tools and knowledge to service your Audi correctly. While anyone can drain and replace oil, things get a bit more complex when special oil is required or the car needs to be scanned and reset, for example in the case of a DSG service. If the shop doesn’t have the right tools they won’t be able to do this correctly.
We at Dodson have all the latest diagnostics and calibration tools required to correctly service all Audi models and are able to carry out the service to the standards that an Audi dealer would provide.
How Long Does an Audi Service Take?
If we at Dodson are performing the Audi service, typically it won’t take longer than 2 hours. If there is any reason for the service to take longer than expected we will notify you to let you know what is going on.
How to Reset the Audi Service Due Message?
While we will always make sure the service indicator light is reset after performing a service, you may need to reset the service message for other reasons.
To reset the service message, try the following steps:
2006-2015 Models
- Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.
- Press the “Car” button which is located next to the climate control.
- Turn the control knob in the centre console to scroll down on the screen, select “Service interval display“.
- Press the control knob button to select.
- Turn the control nob to scroll down to “Reset service interval”. Press the control knob button to select.
- Turn the control nob to select “Yes“ and then press it to confirm.
2015-2021 Models
- Turn the ignition “On” to activate the electronics, but do not start the engine. Usually you will just need to press the “Start/Stop” button once.
- Use the controls near the gear shift to toggle the menu on the display. From the Home screen on the display, turn the control knob to highlight “Vehicle“ and press to select.
- Turn the control knob to highlight “Settings & Service“ and press to select.
- Under “Service intervals“, select and press on “Reset oil change interval”.
The service due message should now be gone.
If that does not work, you will need an Audi diagnostics tool such as a VCDS tool which you will need to plug into the OBD2 port and then reset the message. The Audi dealer or most auto repair shops should be able to reset this for you.
Can I Check Audi Service History Online?
Yes, Audi does have an online service history system where they log all the services for each car. However, this will only be as accurate as the information entered, and if the car has been serviced by independent shops, they may not have entered all the information. Make sure to check this when buying your car so that you know which services were really carried out.
How Much Does An Audi Service Cost?
We at Dodson offer very competitive pricing when it comes to Audi servicing.
Engine services typically consist of replacing the engine oil & filter, installing a new sealing washer on the sump plug, checking and topping up any other fluids, checking and replacing the air filter if necessary, doing a vehicle safety check and test drive. This service costs from $399, depending on the Audi model.
If you need to get your transmission serviced, that typically involves scanning the car for any fault codes, replacing the oil and filter, the sump gasket, taking it for a test drive and doing a clutch and gear calibration if necessary. Our Audi transmission service costs from $599 depending on the model.
We also offer Haldex services which can either including just a fluid change (from $159) or a fluid change or a pump clean (from $229).
To book your Audi service in, simply call us on 09 441 3635 or email service@dodsonmotorsport.com.
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After our service, the owner can be confident that the car will perform at its best for the coming events.
