Audi is a luxury car that offers peak performance and a smooth drive to its owners. They’re dependable and reliable cars — not to mention, fast and fun to drive. That’s probably why you bought one. But, just like any car, Audis need to be maintained properly and regularly to avoid costly breaks or engine problems. Learning how to maintain the coolant system in your Audi is a must to keep it in perfect condition.
Let’s take a look at how to identify any issues in your Audi, how to maintain the coolant system in your Audi, and the signs that you might need to get your Audi repaired.
What does your Audi’s coolant system do?
Your coolant system is basically there to regulate your engine’s temperature so it doesn’t overheat. As most car owners should know, an overheating engine is bad news. Coolant systems take coolant from your engine and flow the coolant through the passages in your engine. As the coolant travels through, it picks up heat from your engine and moves the now-heated fluid through a rubber hose and into your radiator. This keeps your engine at an optimal temperature, the temperature that keeps your engine running the most efficiently. Thus, keeping your Audi running smoothly.
Check and maintain your coolant level
Regularly check your coolant level as well as your engine fluid levels generally. And be sure to check the quality. A car that isn’t driven too often could have perfectly fine fluid levels, but if they’re quite old, then the quality of the fluids will be off. Your coolant should be topped up whenever you notice it’s getting low. Check your coolant, radiator fluid, oil, and water levels and make sure they’re free of dirt, dust, or debris. This will ensure your Audi’s coolant system is working perfectly and will keep your car’s performance at a top notch level.
Watch out for leaks
Always check for puddles beneath your car. In many cases, liquid underneath your parked car will be condensation from its air conditioner, but it could be an oil or coolant leak too. Check out the fluid and see if it’s just water or something more serious. You should be able to tell if it’s coolant by the colour — coolant is typically green, but could also be pink or orange. Regardless, if the liquid isn’t clear like water, it’s probably time to see an Audi mechanic.
Leaks in your engine can indicate serious problems with your radiator or water pump. The only way to notice an internal leak in your engine is with a pressure checker — or by asking your mechanic to take a look.
Check the thermostat
Your Audi’s thermostat will open and close to pump coolant through your coolant system. Sometimes, engine thermostats will wear and then remain closed. This means your car’s engine will no longer circulate that coolant. This can lead to overheating in your engine and long term damage. Keep an eye on your thermostat to avoid damaging your engine.
Take note of your temperature gauge
The whole point of your coolant system is to keep your engine cool. So, taking the steps to properly maintain your Audi’s coolant system is a really good preventative measure. But, you should always watch your dashboard’s temperature gauge when you’re driving too. If your car’s engine begins to heat up, always pull over, turn your engine off, and get it to a mechanic.
Inspect your radiator
You can check your radiator on your own or ask your mechanic to do so at your regular Audi service. You’ll need to have the radiator and all of its parts checked over to make sure it’s free of leaks or any signs of corrosion. Check the radiator pressure cap and make sure it’s not damaged or worn. Losing pressure control in your radiator may lead to further engine damage.
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Think there might be a problem with your Audi’s coolant system? Bring your car down to one of our workshops across Woolloongabba, Milton, Bulimba, or Newstead. You can even book online.
