Are Audi Cars Really That Expensive to Maintain?
How Much Does it Cost to Maintain Audi Cars?
Audis are luxury vehicles, and they are desirable in many ways, with a sleek interior, a gorgeous exterior, and a reputation for technological advancement. However, the price and cost of maintenance are a significant cause of concern, as there’s a common consensus that German cars are quite expensive to maintain. Luckily, that’s where good Audi manuals may come in handy!
As high-end cars, Audis can be somewhat expensive to keep compared to many other brands. Nonetheless, they are somewhat reliable; it’s really that labor charges tend to be higher on cars filled with tech and optional features. Consequently, the easiest way to keep maintenance costs as low as possible here is to do some of the work yourself and save on automotive repair shop bills.
Regular Audi Maintenance and Costs
Regular maintenance is critical to extending the life of your vehicle. Audi recommends minor maintenance every 10,000 miles, which costs between $200 to $300. In comparison, major maintenance can run up to about $875 and may be required for larger mileage intervals of about 20,000 miles.
General servicing is also recommended at least once per year or every 10,000 miles. However, service frequency might vary greatly depending on the region where you live, the climate, and your driving habits. When in doubt, refer to your Audi manuals for more information on the recommended service intervals.
Brakes
Brake components are standard maintenance items and should be checked at least annually or twice a year if you drive a lot in the city. As a general rule, you may need to replace your brakes every 35,000 to 60,000 miles.
Replacing the front brake pad for an Audi typically costs between $365 to $400. It is also recommended to change your brake fluid every two years. Here again, this is a procedure that is fairly easy to do at home. If you aren’t sure how it’s done, you can find the right procedure in an Audi factory service manual such as those offered by eManualOnline.
Oil Change
Most Audi vehicles can run up to 10,000 miles before requiring an oil change. However, if you do more driving in the city, constantly halting at stop signs and traffic lights, you need an oil change every 5,000 miles. This should cost between $130 and $145.
Tires
Worn-out tires are a significant safety concern and should be taken seriously, so make sure to keep an eye on them and replace them as needed. You may pay between $130 and $330 per tire, depending on how big your wheels are.
Air Filter
The air filter should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, and a replacement will run between $90 and $130. Luckily, replacing an air filter is quite straightforward. Simply follow the recommended procedure found in your Audi service manual and you should be able to save some hard-earned bucks with very little effort.
Ways to Reduce Maintenance Cost
No matter the car you drive, repairs are unavoidable at some point. Things will inevitably break and the only thing to do here is to try to manage the risks and aim to keep repair costs as low as possible. Luckily, Audi has a very good warranty program, and aside from performing regular maintenance, it is the best way to control costs.
Warranty Coverages
For a start, Audi offers a prepaid maintenance plan that will cover scheduled repairs. New Audis also come with a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. When it expires, customers can purchase an extended warranty for continued protection.
Still, even the best warranty program out there won’t cover normal wear-and-tear components. Consequently, here are a couple more tips for you to keep your car in excellent condition and reduce unexpected breakdowns:
- Check your car components and fluid levels regularly.
- For long-lasting tires, check the tire pressure regularly and amend when needed.
- Read your Audi service manual carefully and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Use only oil approved by the manufacturer, as it extends the life of your engine. Once again, when in doubt, make sure to refer to your Audi factory service manual for the specifications.
- The engine is the most expensive part to fix, so always keep the air filter clean to prevent dirt from damaging the internals.
Last Words
So are Audis expensive to maintain? Yes. However, it shouldn’t keep you from getting your hands on your dream Audi; you just have to be wise and stay on top of your maintenance schedule. Audis are reliable, but only with regular maintenance; hence, make sure to drive carefully and perform regular checks and servicing to keep your car in the best condition for the longest time. And once again, an Audi factory service manual is your best bet here.