Audi is one of the most popular car brands around, and for many people, owning one of its excellent models is certainly a dream worth working hard for. Vehicles from this automotive giant always stand out and get attention. As such, regardless of the model you have, your car will get noticed easily for the right reasons.
Audis are also the ultimate dream vehicles. They boast amazing, sleek and modern design, stellar performance, the latest in automotive technology, and the finest in comfort. Due to these reasons, they provide the best value for money.
Getting the Most From Your Dream Car
Like any other vehicle, you have to look after your Audi to get the most out of your investment. Maintaining it well is also the key to prolonging its appeal and performance and avoiding accidents and costly expensive charges.
A trusted Audi service center in Dubai shares below the top tips for maintaining your vehicle from this well-loved brand:
1. Read the owner`s manual
Although you may think that you have better things to do than going over the owner`s manual, you would do well to spend an hour or more carefully reading it.
By being familiar with the manual, you will know the recommended interval for maintaining the key components of your vehicle. You will also learn the basic and essential procedures for preventive maintenance, which include changing the engine oil and replacing your air and fuel filters.
Even if you plan on bringing your car to a technician for all its maintenance requirements, knowing what they are and when they should be done are essential to keeping your vehicle in tiptop condition and avoiding full-blown issues and expensive repairs.
2. Conduct basic checks regularly
Reading the owner`s manual is a good start in effectively maintaining your Audi. However, you need to carry out the recommended checks to ensure your vehicle continues to work optimally.
These regular checks should include:
- Tire checks: Tire tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm. All four must be inflated to the right pressure of your vehicle and free from nails and odd marks.
- Oil checks: This should be done at least once a month to ensure your engine continues to run smoothly.
- Exhaust checks: Listen for any changes in the noises coming from the car, and look out for liquid dripping from the exhaust. Bring your vehicle immediately to your mechanic when these signs appear.
- Windscreen checks: Look for cracks or chips, especially small ones. If there are any, have them fixed immediately to avoid having the whole screen replaced.
- Light checks: Check that all lights are working. Have them replaced if they are busted.
3. Select a service center that specializes in Audi vehicles
If you haven`t found a service center yet for your Audi, make sure you choose one that has trained and qualified mechanics and technicians who handle this brand.
By choosing the best service center, you will be certain that your vehicle is in good hands. You won`t have to worry about your car being poorly maintained or even damaged as they do their job.
Moreover, by finding a service center that specializes in Audi, your car will get the replacement parts that it needs immediately. You can also be certain that they are genuine and of good quality.
4. Warm up and cool down your vehicle properly
If your Audi has a turbocharged engine, you have to know the importance of warming it up before taking it for a drive and cooling it down after.
When you warm up your car properly before driving, you allow the oil to reach its optimum temperature. When it is sufficiently warm, it will lubricate the engine more effectively. It will also flow to and cover all the vital engine parts, which will prevent wear and tear on the engine.
Additionally, you need to let your engine cool down for half a minute or so before turning it off. This is because long drives and driving your vehicle too fast can cause your turbocharger to generate heat over time.
If you turn off the engine while the turbo is still hot, this can cause the oil in the turbocharger to overheat. This, in turn, can cause the buildup of carbonized oil and blockages in this component.
To avoid this problematic car issue, allow your car 30 seconds to idle before turning it off.
5. Use synthetic oil
Although it is more expensive, synthetic oil is superior to the regular type in various ways and, as such, is better to use for your Audi car.
Synthetic oil is more efficient in handling the higher temperatures generated in the engine. It also contains fewer impurities, which means you can keep your engine running cleaner for longer.
Lastly, synthetic oil lasts longer and provides better protection for your engine.
6. Keep your vehicle clean
Cleaning your vehicle`s interior and exterior regularly allows you to maintain its excellent look. Additionally, keeping it spotless helps sustain its maximum performance.
This is because whenever you clean your vehicle, you get rid of the dirt, dust, and grime that could enter its delicate parts. Sand and mud can also build up under your car and cause damage. As such, it is crucial that you keep your Audi fresh and tidy.
Additionally, keep your Audi shiny and looking excellent by polishing it regularly to remove blemishes caused by bird droppings, tree sap, and other elements.
Aside from washing and vacuuming your vehicle every week, bring it to the service center at least once a month so that professionals can do a more thorough job of cleaning it inside and out.
7. Protect your vehicle from the sun and rain
Finally, UV rays and rain are two of your car exterior`s worst enemies.
The sun`s harsh UV rays can be damaging to the body of your car and its interior parts. The contaminants in rainwater and mud can ruin the exterior of your vehicle as well.
If you want to maintain your Audi`s appeal, keep your vehicle under the shade whenever you are not using it. If you do not have a shaded driveway or parking area, get a car cover. Choose one with pads so that you can also protect it from falling branches.
When you maintain your Audi correctly, you can take your vehicle anywhere, anytime, even for long drives, without fear of breaking down and having any problems on the road.
AUTHOR BIO
Ahmad Ramadan is a Managing Partner at Deutsche Technik Service Center, Dubai`s first and largest VW, Audi, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, & Lamborghini vehicle specialist and performance tuner. DT has also built an illustrious portfolio in classic car repair, maintenance, and restoration, as well as body work (accident repair, painting, and denting). DT Service Centre offers a full range of services: mechanical repairs, maintenance, servicing, etc.
