How Often Should You Service Your Audi?

Owning an Audi means you've chosen German engineering expertise, but maintaining that performance requires more than just filling up with premium fuel. Having your Audi serviced regularly ensures peak performance, protects your investment, and offers peace of mind. At Audi of Huntington, we created this guide to help Long Island Audi owners understand when to service their cars to keep them reliable for many years.

Professional Audi Maintenance

Audis are complex machines that need skilled attention from expert technicians. Built with cutting-edge technology, from direct-injection engines to all-wheel-drive systems, these vehicles demand specialized attention that goes far beyond what your average car requires.

Adhering to factory-suggested maintenance timing not only keeps your car running smoothly but also protects your investment. With good upkeep, your Audi can last beyond 200,000 miles, and Consumer Reports often flags them for their dependability. Audis require more maintenance than some other brands, but the cost varies depending on the model, age, and driving patterns.

Audi ownership involves more than just maintenance — there's also insurance to consider. There may be times when your budget doesn't allow for a service at its scheduled time. Don't worry, we've got you covered with our service now, pay at your own pace option that makes sound financial sense.

Audi's Recommended Service Intervals

Audi suggests performing a basic service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. This includes key services such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid top-offs. Every 20,000 miles should include brake inspection, air filter replacement, exhaust system examination, and new cabin filters. After 40,000 miles, the transmission fluid and spark plugs are replaced, and the fuel system is cleaned.

Audi suggests changing oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, based on ideal driving conditions. Long Island's challenging conditions mean more frequent oil changes. Take your dealership's advice because they understand New York driving and typically suggest changing oil and filters every 7,000 miles, or six months, using a good synthetic oil.

Brake fluid should be changed every two years, as it absorbs moisture from the air, reducing braking power. If your Audi has an S-Tronic transmission, its oil and filter should be replaced approximately every 40,000 miles to prevent damage to essential drivetrain components.

The Importance of Regular Servicing for Performance and Safety

Regular checks keep your Audi running as designed and prevent major problems. Car components wear down over time, but routine maintenance allows worn parts to be replaced before they break, preventing damage to other components. Compare the price of an oil change, approximately $150, to the thousands of dollars a new engine will cost if the oil didn't lubricate the engine properly, causing it to seize. Audi Care is a convenient prepaid scheduled maintenance option that can save you money and protect against inflation.

Carbon buildup is common in modern Audi engines, requiring cleaning as early as 20,000 miles. This happens because of the way direct-injection engines burn fuel. The carbon builds up on engine parts, mainly intake valves, causing less power, poor gas mileage, rough idling, misfires, and possible engine damage.

Audi timing belts deteriorate with age and may damage your engine if they snap. Replace them every four to five years or at the mileage listed in your service book. A broken timing belt can cause over $2,600 in engine damage, whereas a full belt kit and water pump cost around $650.

Audi's focus on safety is evident in its record. In 2023, eight models received Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and were also named best for safety by Consumer Reports.

Audi of Huntington's Expert Service

Selecting certified Audi technicians significantly impacts the quality of your car's repair. These professionals have hands-on experience and know these vehicles inside and out. Specialized Audi tools are used to diagnose and repair these cars.

The components used to fix your Audi also affect how it runs and how long the repairs last. The specs on genuine factory parts match those of the originals, while aftermarket parts may fit but not precisely, which can lead to problems. Repairs using non-approved components may void your warranty.

At Audi of Huntington, our services extend beyond repairs to full car maintenance and include tips on maintaining your Audi's interior to preserve that luxury feel. This whole-car approach to care means that every aspect of your Audi receives attention.

Signs That Your Audi Needs Service Sooner Than Expected

Your Audi indicates that something needs attention via warning lights on the dashboard. The engine light is the most common, signifying an immediate check by professionals. Colors indicate the urgency — red means stop for serious issues, yellow/amber indicates that something's wrong but you can still drive, and green/blue gives info about a working system. The Service Due light means your car is due for a full service.

Physical symptoms, such as weird sounds, changes in handling or braking, fluid leaks, or starting issues, can occur between regular maintenance intervals and must be checked by a trained technician. Audi automatic cars tend to have CV boot failures, so ensure that CV boots and joints are checked at each oil change to prevent costly axle swaps.

Driving patterns and weather can affect maintenance intervals. Short trips mean oil dirties quickly, requiring more oil changes. Cold weather makes oil thick and drains batteries, while hot weather wears out engines and tires more quickly. The coastal air, with its salt and temperature, can affect car systems more than inland driving.

Maintain Your Audi With Professional Service From Audi of Huntington

Long Island's driving challenges, from salty coastal air to stop-and-go traffic, make professional service a necessity. Our skilled technicians know these local factors and can tailor maintenance schedules to match your Audi's needs. We're here to help keep your car running its best, no matter the driving conditions. Don't wait for warning lights or performance issues to schedule your service with certified professionals at Audi of Huntington. You'll notice the difference expert care makes in preserving your car's performance, luxury, and safety for years to come.