Servicing my car?

[rraghvani]

How easy would it be to service my car? I got a quote from Audi and they are charging £336.15 or £568.28 which includes front break pads and fluid change.

I’ve got the actual list of what parts need replacing, and it comes up to £103.50, and I can save my self the labour charge.

Parts include: Filter; Spark Plug; Element; FilterRel; Screen Wash and Shell Ultra PD.

I also need the service book stamped; engine management light disabled and service indicator reset – do you reckon Audi would do this free of charge?

 

[madvw]

a fault-code scan and clearing of errors is part an Audi dealer service. If you have any DTC's they will just recommend that you have x or y done to cure the problems at the same time, or ask if you want to book it in soon.

Audi will not stamp the service book unless they perform the service. Makes sense really.

Personally, i wouldn't like to change the spark plugs on an 1.8T anything, they're a pain in the butt to get to, and a pain in the butt to get out. They're easily crossthreaded, and overtightened too. I hate them. However, I would do it if they were the only part I didnt want to do.. especially if that meant saving 200 quid...

 

[rraghvani]

If I can service some parts such as air filter/oil, oil, pollon filter, aircon gass then I should be able to reduce the service cost? or is it a fixed price?

 

[steve1975l]

I am curious why would you even be thinking about doing it yourself on a 13+K car. Changing plugs is a pain or am I getting too old and lazy. I could understand a mechanic doing it himself as they have knowledge and a stamp.

 

[rraghvani]

Just trying to save a bit of money! Labour cost is like another £230 on top!!

 

[steve1975l]

You have got a nice car so treat her to an early xmas present and get a service done at a local specialist if you need to save a few £££ and probably get a better service anyway.

 

[madvw]

If I can service some parts such as air filter/oil, oil, pollon filter, aircon gass then I should be able to reduce the service cost? or is it a fixed price?

really depends on which you take it to. If you ask for them to just do the plugs though, you still wont get the stamp either. A service from a dealer contains many more checks than just the basics. Have a look at the FAQ for the whole list.

If it needs the brake fluid changing too, then it's likely that the haldex oil and maybe filter needs doing too.

 

[icenutter]

Have you thought about taking it to an independent garage? Some charge less and are more knowledgeable than the dealers.

 

[smitch]

Where abouts in london are you???

 

[rraghvani]

I've recently moved to Surrey, Redhill and the place I got a quote from was from http://sidlow-audi.co.uk/

 

[steve1975l]

I got my haldex serviced by this guy in Leatherhead might be worth a chat.

Audi Volkswagen Specialists
Unit 5b rear of 1-2, Brook Way, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7NA
Tel: 01372 383038

 

[rraghvani]

Ok, cool. I'll try that considering the company I work for are noving next week.

 

[rodenal]

I've serviced my own car many times, on many cars including the audi. It's not difficult if you take your time and as long as you buy the right stuff for the job.

The plugs are a pain to change and a pain to get to and easy to overtighten and the list goes on, however if you persevere and are careful/patient it is simple enough.

Changing your pads yourself is really simple, the only problems you might encounter are rusty screws/bolts on an older car

 

[smitch]

I've recently moved to Surrey, Redhill and the place I got a quote from was from http://sidlow-audi.co.uk/

Try AH Autos in guildford, not a posh name i know but these guys are VW Audi specialists that really know their stuff. I've used them for about ten years, they're mustard, the fella Ashley that runs it has probably forgotten more than most so called specialists know.

Give em a buzz : 01483 303942

You won't be disapointed.

 

[Roo2000]

I too have serviced all the cars I've owned, usually the weekend I pick them up or the weekend after.
I serviced the Audi last weekend and gave her a couple of new ball joints too.
The only difficulty I had was removing the oil filter, which a hammer and screwdriver soon fixed.

I think if your confident enough to do a service do it but sacrafice your dealer stamp.

Or get it serviced at an independant garage who can reset your service light etc and stamp your book with their stamp.

My A3 is nearly 7 years old now so I'm happy to let her history slip but I will keep her serviced and well maintained myself.

 

[rich1068]

Have you thought about taking it to an independent garage? Some charge less and are more knowledgeable than the dealers.

That should be on a banner across the top of this forum

 

[rraghvani]

Well, I'll try and service all the easy stuff, then get Audi to do the remaining stuff such as sparks plugs, oil filter. As with the breaks, I'll look for another garage, I'm not keen on paying £153.13 for front breaks and £79 for brake fluid.

 

[Timbo]

Well, I'll try and service all the easy stuff, then get Audi to do the remaining stuff such as sparks plugs, oil filter. As with the breaks, I'll look for another garage, I'm not keen on paying £153.13 for front breaks and £79 for brake fluid.

The front pads & discs (if needed) are easy to change yourself.

The £79 for fluid sounds like it includes labour, which sounds like a fair price to me.

 

[A3_Turbo]

I Cant understand why you dont just give it to audi or another specialist a full service is costing me nowhere near what audi want and im getting my book stamped,

Shop about you'll be suprised with the differences!


Jason

 

[Timbo]

In response to your original message:

I also need the service book stamped; engine management light disabled and service indicator reset – do you reckon Audi would do this free of charge?

They won't stamp the book unless they change the oil at the very least. They will reset the service indicator and engine management light for you but would charge you labour for the time it takes them (not very long I wouldn't have thought).

FWIW the dealer (Guildford Audi) have been happy to carry out a service for me in the past with me supplying the oil.

 

[chippie]

Don’t be a skin flint, treat the car to a bit of TLC, less hassle for you and a stamp in the book

 

[Secret Squirrel]

If you are capable, then service the car yourself. It's the only way you'll know for sure that the job has been done IME, or not done as the case may be.

If you're planning to keep the car, then how much are those FASH dealer stamps actually worth? From what I hear/read they are costly items to have.

Just check the service list as you go. If there's anything you think you can't do, get a recommended VAG specialist to do it. If they're as helpful as my local specialist, they won't mind you poking your nose in on the job to see how it's done.

Check for codes using VagCom, then proceed as necessary. I'm not familiar with the service reset on your age of car, but it's not normally any trouble.

An oil and filter change isn't really that hard, although I wouldn't risk it on a clean driveway.
Spark plugs are very easy to get to. Engine cover off, coil packs unbolted and removed, plugs out. As stated just be careful putting them back.

Make sure you tighten the spark plugs to the correct torque setting. Not tight enough and they can come loose. Too tight and they can strip the threads and come out. Either way the outcome isn't nice.

IIRC the correct torque is 25Nm, but I would double check it.

Another simple but effective job, is changing the fuel filter. I'm not sure what the service interval is on that, but it's not often enough IMHO.

Brakes are all pretty simple. Fluid replacement can be pretty tricky if you don't know the correct proceedure.

Haldex oil and filter change is tricky without a ramp or pit. You also need a T10066 to do the filter and a silicone gun (VAG1628). I did a 'how-to' that's somewhere, if anyone would be interested.

 

[AndyUK]

Anyone know of a quality service centre in Newcastle/ North east area for audis??

 

[darko]

if you are in surrey - speak to these guys: www.wheelbase.uk.com they are in walton on thames

 

[rraghvani]

if you are in surrey - speak to these guys: www.wheelbase.uk.com they are in walton on thames

Thanks for this, I'll try these guys as well.