Cars, like people, have different quirks and personality traits, some of which aren’t very pleasant. But like people, once you fall in love with a car, it can be hard to imagine how you ever lived without it. If you have an Audi, or are considering buying an Audi, it can help if you understand some of the more common issues, and what you (and your garage) can do to fix or even prevent them.
Common issues with Audis
While not all Audi drivers experience the same problems, here are some of the most common complaints from Audi owners:
- Electrical issues
- Oil leaks
- Failing spark plugs
However, like all vehicles, the issues tend to vary between the model and the year of production.
For example, for A4s, the most common issues are poor fuel economy, drop in power, and high oil consumption. These issues are especially prevalent in older models made in 2008, 2009 or 2011. On the other hand for Audi S4s, common issues include turbo failure, engine oil leaks and thermostat faults; years to avoid are 2006, 2007 and 2008
Electrical problems
Electrical issues are most common in older Audis. This can mean that, when you turn the ignition on, the warning lights and (even more annoyingly), sounds, can come on and off intermittently. Audis are pretty renowned for their over-sensitive lights and warnings. If you encounter electrical problems, it is best to get them checked out by your local Audi garage. A quick diagnostics read will tell you if there is anything that needs to be addressed immediately; if not, your mechanic should be able to reset the computer to get rid of the problem (for now).
Oil leaks
Oil leaks are another common issue with Audis. They can be quite hard to diagnose, so if you have an older model, keep an eye on your oil consumption so that you can spot any issues sooner rather than later.
Failing spark plugs
Spark plugs wear naturally, but Audi spark plugs tend to wear out a bit sooner than other makes. If you notice that your Audi seems to be lacking a bit of power when you accelerate, or sounds throaty when you are idling, it could be the result of worn-out spark plugs. Pop to your local garage or Audi specialist to get it checked out.
Buying an Audi
The safest way to buy an Audi is straight from a garage or Audi dealership. You might pay a little more, but the price will usually include a warranty and (as a result) peace of mind. If you are buying an older vehicle, make sure that it is checked out by someone you trust before you buy; if you are buying from a car dealership, ask about warranty in case there are any issues down the line.
For more tips and advice about keeping your vehicle in top condition, and keeping you and other road users safe, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter.