5 Common Audi Problems | Euro Auto Tech & Smog
It’s Audi time! So many people are in love with this car, you might have seen it a few times if you’re a fan of the Marvel movies. Typically, you’ll see Tony Stark driving an Audi. You might associate the turbocharged engines and advanced technology to the kind of personality of Mr. Stark. However, remember it’s very easy to forget the fact that it’s just like any other European vehicle, with advanced engineering comes certain problems that can show up as the miles accumulate.
The good news is most problems are much easier, and less expensive, if you deal with them early enough.
At Euro Auto Tech & Smog, we help Audi owners throughout San Diego, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and surrounding communities quickly identify the cause of these common issues using OEM-level diagnostic equipment and years of European vehicle expertise. Our ASE-certified technicians believe in diagnosing the root cause, not simply replacing parts until the light goes away.
Here’s what every Audi owner should know:
PCV System Failures
The crankcase ventilation system (PCV) is one of the things we see happening on many Audis. A failing PCV system can create a lot of crankcase pressure, vacuum leaks, oil leaks, harsh idling, bad drivability, and sometimes unusual sounds.
One of the warnings we’ve seen is a whistling sound that comes from the engine. A while back, we worked on a 2017 Audi Q7 that came in with a loud whistle and a coolant leak. Our diagnostic process found a failed crankcase vent valve along with additional related issues. The repair involved replacing the PCV system and several associated components.
Be wary of:
- Harsh or rough idling
- Oil leaks
- Bad engine performance
- Whistling or weird noises from the engine
- Increased oil consumption
- Check engine light
If you see or hear any of these symptoms, be sure to get the car diagnosed. If you clear the warning light and keep on trucking then you very well might miss out on knowing that your PCV is failing, and ultimately, can set yourself up for a much more expensive repair down the line.
Cooling and Water Pump Issues
Audi engines usually rely on a functioning cooling system to keep the temperatures optimal. Water pumps, coolant hoses, thermostats, and all other components will wear out or develop leaks.
The main problem is that a small coolant leak can become a much larger issue quickly because low coolant can lead to overheating, and overheating causes huge engine damage.
On the 2017 Audi Q7 we talked about earlier, our techs found that the thermostat housing and water pump were contributing to the coolant leak. We confirmed the issue with a cooling system pressure test before we made the repair.
Some things to look for:
- Coolant spots underneath your car
- Low coolant warnings
- Temperature gauge running higher than normal
- Sweet-smelling coolant odor
- Visible coolant leaks like puddles on the ground
- Overheating
If you’re adding more coolant a lot more often than you should, that’s an indicator. The system should be checked out, not topped off with coolant each time.
Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are also very common with Audis, especially as they accumulate mileage. Main issues are things like gaskets, seals, breather components, valve covers, and other engine related parts that will become worn over time and brittle.
A small leak usually starts as nothing more than a couple drops in your driveway. However, if you leave it untreated long enough, you could end up with low engine oil, damaged parts, or oil going into places it shouldn’t.
If you’re an Audi lover, you know that keeping the engine appropriately lubricated is vital to keeping the performance and life of the car going for the long run.
Oil leak signs to look for:
- Oil spots under the vehicle
- Low oil levels
- Burning oil smell
- Oil residue is around the engine
- Oil consumption increases
- Smoke is coming from the engine
Don’t automatically think that every leak is the same. If the source is the problem and then fix it. That’s where the correct diagnostics and a proper inspection makes the biggest difference.
Engine Performance and Carbon Buildup Issues
Modern Audi engines are built for performance, but understand that direct-injection engines can develop carbon buildup as time goes on.
Now, carbon buildup can affect airflow and engine performance, usually as mileage grows, and that’s not good.
How your car responds to carbon buildup:
- Hesitation
- Check engine light
- Bad fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Slower acceleration
If you guess one or more of these issues incorrectly and start replacing the car with random parts, that’s when your inexpensive problem becomes an expensive one.
We, Euro Auto Tech & Smog, always diagnose the issue first and we highly recommend that you do the same.
Electronic and Electrical Issues
One thing Audi owners quickly learn is that there’s a lot of technology that goes into these cars.
We’re talking about sensors, modules, electronic controls, warning systems, drive-assistance features, and they all work together to keep the car operating appropriately.
When one part starts to communicate incorrectly you may receive warning signs/lights, weird behavior, or multiple symptoms all at once. Sometimes the problem isn’t a part you’re suspecting. That’s why we do diagnostic scans to begin, there’s so much information that we need to decipher.
A diagnosis requires understanding the vehicle’s information or data, seeing what’s going on with the circuits and parts and knowing how the systems are supposed to work together. That’s why we are called technicians, not just mechanics.
So Much More
We may have given you five issues that Audi owners should be aware of, but there are definitely more to come. Remember, depending on the year, model, the engine, the mileage, and the maintenance history, the issues on Audi’s can range widely and across different parts like engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, suspension, electronics, and emissions.
DIY
If you must take things into your own hands, here’s a few things you can do:
- Check your car oil levels regularly.
- Check the underside of your car for existing or new leaks regularly.
- Listen out for unusual noises.
- Keep a keen nose to the smells.
- Feel the car for changes in performance.
- Watch those warning lights on the dash.
Keep up with basic maintenance like oil changes and follow your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals.
However, if the check engine light comes on, the engine feels like it's running differently, coolant needs to be replenished more often, or you notice weird smells, that’s when you take your car in for a professional diagnosis.
If you’d like to know what your warning light is, either buy a basic code reader or make your way to Autozone, O’Reilly’s, or any other commercial auto parts store and they should be able to assist you with a basic OBD scanner that will read the code for you. Research the code and find out what it may be. Take the information to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
Don’t Wait Till It’s Too Late
Your Audi was meant to be a performance car while delivering comfort and a fun driving experience. Protecting this piece of incredible hardware means staying on your preventative maintenance and fixing problems before they become big and expensive repairs.
Things like coolant leaks lead to overheating problems. A small oil leak can easily become a bigger engine problem. A warning light can be the first of many problems if you don’t address it sooner than later.
In a nutshell, preventative maintenance goes a long way. It isn’t just about spending money on what you want to put off till later, it’s about protecting the investment you made when purchasing the car.
