Audi Service Lights
Your Audi is a precision engineered machine. Not only does it take thousands of parts to create, but each Audi should also follow a service plan and maintenance schedule. Audi service light indicators are there to tell you when you should go in for a service or have a specialist service technician look at your car.
It is vital to speak to experts when service lights appear on your Audi dashboard, as it could cause you expensive repairs and reduce the lifetime of the vehicle.
How frequently does my Audi need servicing?
Audi vehicles vary depending on if they have a Flexible Regime or a Fixed Regime. Oil changes are the flexible element in a service as the car detects how much the oil degrades over time. This is influenced by a number of factors, such as driving style, journey types and ambient temperature.
The actual mileage varies between each oil change service required. This can be anywhere between 9,300miles and 18,600miles. Drivers that do longer distances, for example motorway journeys, or drivers using lighter engine loads may require the oil change closer to the maximum mileage. If an oil change service has not been completed earlier, it will be due after 2 years- regardless of mileage and oil condition. The flexible regime is suitable for most cars today and is intended to be the most cost effective.
Despite this, some drivers may prefer a fixed regime, or your Audi may not be eligible for the flexible regime. Here is what the fixed regime involves:
- Oil Service every 9,300 miles (15,000km) or 1 year, whichever occurs first (petrol or diesel cars)
- Inspection Service every 18,600miles (30,000km) or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
Some Battery Electric Vehicles have a fixed inspection regime of 2 years but with no mileage criteria. If you drive an electric vehicle please check with us at RM Motors for details on when your next service is due.
Some customers prefer the fixed regime (where available), as visiting a garage annually can provide consistency and peace of mind. The oil and inspection services can be completed in the same visit in the second year, and this can help with setting an annual budget for vehicle servicing.
What are the Service Due and Indicator Lights on my Audi Dashboard?
Service due lights are wrench shaped and appear on your dashboard when your Audi is due for a service. This is usually accompanied by a warning message saying, ‘SERVICE DUE’ and you are advised to book in for a service.
Scheduled maintenance is important in Audi vehicles as it ensures that moving engine parts are working optimally, avoiding expensive repairs in the future. They are also necessary to maintain your manufacturer warranty. Failure to follow the service schedule will invalidate your warrant so should NOT be ignored.
More recent Audi now have Fixed or Flexible service regimes, and when your next service is due, you will be informed via a warning on the dashboard.
How the Service Due System works
For a mileage-based system, the owner needs to take their Audi in for an oil and filter change along with the routine maintenance required based on the total mileage covered. The ECU (Engine Control Unit) will determine how far the car has driven and how long it has been since the last service and will illuminate the warning light when required.
Different driving conditions are not considered when your Audi is on a fixed regime. Therefore, it is important to consider this during ownership. More extreme driving such as towing, fast paced, high acceleration, high load and climate all need to be considered. It may be best to speak to RM Motors if this is the case so we can advise on the most appropriate service interval.
Example scenarios of your Audi Vehicle and when you should change your oil:
Light Driving (7,500-10,000 Miles)– Motorway driving with normal ambient temperatures, flat city driving, driving with lighter loads and without long periods of engine idling.
Moderate Driving (5,000-7,499 Miles) – Off-road or hilly driving, long periods of driving in hot or cold temperatures, medium or heavy loads and towing frequently, with longer engine idling.
Extreme Conditions (3,000-4,999 Miles) – lots of off-road and mountain driving, lots of towing with heavy loads, driving a lot in extreme hot or cold temperatures, idling for extended periods.
It can also depend on the Audi model and year, as well as the oil type used in your engine. It is vital to check your Audi vehicle manual for the recommended oil type.
Luckily, at RM Motors, we can advise whether your Audi needs a service. Our technicians are enthusiasts too and want your Audi to be working optimally and will advise you about your next service.
What Happens at Each Audi Service Interval?
As a general guide, this is what should take place during each service interval on your Audi vehicle (indicative mileage):
At 5,000 Miles:
- Change engine oil and filter
- Fill with fresh AdBlue and adjust system as necessary (TDI vehicles only)
- Check brake system and fluid levels, adjust as necessary
- Reset Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rotate tires
- Check tires, including the spare, for pressure, wear, and damage (walls and tread)
- Check windshield wiper and washer system, add fluid if necessary
- Check wiper blades, replace if necessary
At 15,000 miles:
- Change engine oil and filter
- Fill with fresh AdBlue and adjust system as necessary (TDI vehicles only)
- Clean housing and replace air cleaner filter
- Clean and lubricate guide rails on sunroof
- Check automatic/manual transmission and Final Drive
- Check battery
- Check and clean battery terminals
- Check brake system and fluid levels, adjust as necessary
- Lubricate door hinges and straps, if applicable
- Lubricate door check straps and hood latch
- Check cooling system and fluid level, top off if necessary
- Check drive shaft boots
- Change MTF oil for gearbox on DSG/S Tronic
- Replace dust and pollen filter
- Check engine for leaks
- Check engine on board diagnostics for fault memory, if applicable
- Check exhaust system
- Check front axle, dust seals on ball joints and tie rod ends
- Check all lights
- Check horn
- Remove water from fuel filter, or replace fuel filter
- Check condition of ribbed V-Belt and tensioner, replace if necessary
- Check and clean small (12 volt) side battery, if applicable
- Check all tyres
- Check underbody for damage and leaks
- Check windshield wiper and washer system, add fluid if necessary
- Check wiper blades, replace if necessary
At 25,000 Miles:
- Same as 5,000-mile maintenance
At 35,000 Miles:
- Same as 15,000-mile maintenance, plus:
- Check brake discs
- Change ATF in continuously variable transmission (multitronic)
- Change Haldex clutch oil (A3, TT, TTS, and TT RS)
- Change rear sport differential ATF for clutch hydraulics and differential oil
- Replace spark plugs, if applicable
At 45,000 Miles:
- Same as 5,000- and 25,000-mile maintenance
At 55,000 Miles:
- Same as 15,000-mile maintenance
At 65,000 Miles:
- Same as 5,000-, 25,000- and 45,000-mile maintenance
At 75,000 Miles:
- Same as 35,000-mile maintenance
At 85,000 Miles:
- Same as 5,000-, 25,000-, 45,000- and 65,000-mile maintenance
At 95,000 Miles:
- Same as 15,000- and 55,000-mile maintenance
What’s the difference between a service and an inspection or warning light?
Warning lights are not the same as Service and inspection lights. Warning lights appear NOT when a service is due, but when there is a major issue with the vehicle that needs attending to soon or immediately.
Service lights are accompanied by a warning message appearing on the dashboard or instrument cluster screen. If the service is due on your Audi vehicle then a service needs to be scheduled into your local service centre. We at RM Motors have the expertise and are well equipped to get your Audi serviced. We replace fluids, and serviceable parts on your Audi vehicle. Updating service records and turning off that Service light.
Inspection lights include additional checks. When an inspection indicator is showing our Audi trained technicians will investigate the condition of the belts, braking system, diagnostics data and more to fully monitor the health of the vehicle.
The importance of an Audi service
Getting your Audi serviced by trained specialists is vital to the longevity of your carefully engineered machine. Without regular oil and filter changes, the engine components can wear out faster, costing you thousands on an expensive engine repair in the long run. Without regular maintenance and inspection, the safety of your Audi is compromised too and your Audi warranty will be invalidated.
Audis are much more reliable when regular services are undertaken. With a higher resale value if potential buyers are looking at the service records of your Audi vehicle, they know it has been maintained to a good standard and undergone the necessary services.
Can I update my service light indicator myself?
Only a qualified technician and reputable garage, like RM Motors, should do this once the relevant service has been completed. We will also update your service history at the same time. Never switch the indicator off if the work hasn’t been done.
If you need your Audi serviced by trained technicians and at better-than-dealer value, then head to RM Motors today, we are your local Audi service specialist.
