What are Common Repair Concerns for Audis?

Audis are known for their simplistic style, quality design, and powerful performance.  They have risen in popularity in recent decades, becoming a consumer favorite amongst individuals seeking an alternative to flashy luxury brands like BMW.  Furthermore, Audi is one of the biggest innovators in the automotive industry, producing technology such as the Audi AI park pilot and Audi AI garage pilot, which assist drivers with parking in parallel parking spaces or standard parking spaces, and the Audi AI traffic jam pilot, which allows the vehicle to drive autonomously in a single lane under driver supervision.

While Audi is a popular and reputable brand, that doesn't mean their vehicles are insusceptible to repair needs.  So, what are some of the common repair issues for Audi vehicles?

• Spark Plug / Ignition Coil:  Spark plugs and ignition coils are integral parts of the ignition system that work together to use the electricity from the vehicle's battery to start the engine.  As you can imagine, faulty or failing spark plugs or ignition coils can lead to your vehicle not starting at all.  Fortunately, deteriorating spark plugs or ignition coils often make themselves known before you reach that point.  If you encounter difficulties starting your Audi, notice reduced fuel economy, feel a shaking sensation when your car is idling, or experience decreased power when accelerating, we recommend seeking a diagnostic service from an automotive repair technician as soon as possible to avoid having to tow your car to a shop due a non-start.
• Oil Leaks:  Most complaints of oil leaks from Audi owners have been attributed to either a faulty valve cover gasket or faulty camshaft chain tensioner gasket.  Valve cover gaskets are designed to keep oil in the engine by creating a seal between the valve covers and the engine cylinder heads, while a camshaft chain tensioner gasket is designed to keep oil inside a camshaft chain tensioner where oil is pressurized and used to maintain proper tension on the timing chain.  While oil leaks can often make themselves known visibly by oil pooling under the hood or under your vehicle, in the case of a faulty valve cover gasket or camshaft chain tensioner gasket, you are more likely to experience signs such as smoke, a burning oil smell, or excess oil loss as indicated by low oil levels.  If you experience any of these signs and suspect that you may have an oil leak, it is imperative to have your car checked by an automotive professional right away as oil leaks can lead to extensive damages which require costly repairs.
• Catalytic Converter:  Catalytic converters can fail prematurely if they become clogged, so if your Audi requires a new catalytic converter before the end of its standard life cycle, be sure to have your mechanic diagnose the source of the clog and repair the problem to prevent having the same issue occur twice.  Note that one cause of a clogged catalytic converter is an oil leak which, as we mentioned, is also a common problem in Audi's.

In order to ensure optimal performance of your Audi, we recommend adhering to a regular preventative maintenance schedule which will allow your automotive technician to notice signs of impending trouble before they occur and addressing any and all issues that arise between maintenance appointments as soon as possible.  Repairs are to be expected with any vehicle, but proper maintenance is the best investment you can make for the safety and longevity of your vehicle.