Top Tips to keep your Audi in Shape !

5 Tips to keep your Audi in Shape!

Whether you have just bought your Audi or owned it for a while.

Here are five tips to help keep it looking and driving at its best;

1.  Servicing regularly using the correct engine oil. Because the engine is the heart of the matter.

In today’s modern cars, all the fumes from the engine are recycled and made clean before leaving through the exhaust system.  Your engine oil breaks down over time and once this happens it tends to give off more fumes than normal which then tends to cling to the airways in the engine, when left for excessive amounts of time without renewal.  It can clog up the engine, increase friction and cause the car to run below its efficiency.

  New and Old air filter for a Q7 

The  same  goes  for
 the  filters  in  the engine,  which  can get  clogged  and cause  the  engine  to  run  inefficiently.

This results in a lack of power, sometimes hesitation and in severe cases will bring on an engine management light.

Of course there are a number of factors that can cause the engine management light to come on, but this is a common one when the Service has not been regular.

      Get any unusual noises checked out before they turn into a fully fledged problem or worse still           cause other faults.


     2.Tyres: Check pressures, condition and alignment - Your contact with the road is important.

Low tyre pressures cause drag and can wear the tread and sidewalls of the tyre prematurely, especially during cornering.  It also causes reduced directional stability.

Overinflated tyres again will wear tyres, give a harsh ride and transmits bumps from the road to the occupants with less cushioning.

Some of the same symptoms from above will be induced when the tyres are out of alignment or in poor condition.

3.  Fluid level check’s… Top up as required. But can also show you signs of a leak developing.

The fluid levels under the bonnet are a good indication of the state of play… Some, to a higher degree than others.

For example the brake fluid level can give an indication of the wear of brake pads, because as they wear down the fluid level drops to fill the void.  But this can also indicate a leak which is potentially dangerous. 

The engine coolant/antifreeze keeps the engine cool and provides a means to transfer heat from engine to the cabin. It also acts as a rust inhibitor and as the name suggests it stops the coolant freezing in icy weather.

Then there is the power steering fluid which provides both lubrication and hydraulic power to move the steering wheel.

4.  Allow vehicle to reach its optimum running temperature before enthusiastic driving, at all times.

Just like your body functions better after it has warmed up. So does your car, not just the engine, but tyres brakes suspension all work at their best when warmed up… So, always remember the warm up lap.

       5.  Keep your car clean and apply polish to the paintwork and other surfaces exposed to the
elements.

       This keeps your car looking its best, reduces the chance of the paintwork fading and rubbers or          plastic trims deteriorating.

       It reduces the risk of corrosion to the paintwork.

       Cleaning also keeps brake dust off your alloy wheels, reduces the chance of the paint peeling              from them or them suffering from pitting which is the chemicals in the brake dust reacting with          the alloy wheel.

More on cleaning:

Wash wipe system, door rubbers and locks all benefit from this one.

Polish the entire bodywork with good quality polish, taking care to use the right one for plastics and trim’s as the sun simply ‘Bakes’ the car’s paint and trims, particularly here in Spain - Unless you protect them.

Other countries may have to protect their bodywork from salt used to melt ice and snow, and of course road tar, grit and dust apply to all at different times of the year.

Lubricate locks, handles, hinges, bonnet and boot struts: This can be done with a multipurpose lubricating spray … As the spray applied at the Service can get washed off when you clean the car.

If you hear an annoying squeak … Be sure of a faster than normal rate of wear is occurring… So get it checked out.

Keep your dashboard, panels, centre console clean and use a conditioner which helps protect them from sun damage.

Use leather cleaners and treatment for leather interior and fabric cleaner and treatment for cloth seats and interiors.

Bonus tip:

Check out the ‘Owner’s Manual’ of your car.  It has the specific actions to maintain your vehicle …. And there are always lots of illustrations to make it easy to follow.