Taking care of your Audi does not need to be expensive and time consuming. Staying proactive with regular maintenance checks and tune-ups can save you from Audi repair costs that could have been avoided. Take advantage of your Audi repair shop’s expertise when it comes to all of your major repair work, that is if you are not a do-it-yourselfer, however, simple health checks on your vehicle can be done by anyone if you know what to look for.

The days of full-service gas stations are a thing of the past as cars today are built to last 30,000 plus miles before a tune-up. That being said, we as consumers have lost the regular reminder of fluid checks, leak checks, hose checks, etc. that we grew accustom to from full-service gas stations. Advancements in the auto industry have been huge since those days, but just because our cars are built to perform longer, does not mean it is a good idea to forget about everything under your hood until you are left stranded. Audi repair can get quite expensive as with all European cars, so if you enjoy tinkering around with your car, here are a few tips on monthly maintenance checks that will keep your Audi in tip-top shape and save you from costly repairs down the road.

CHECK FLUIDS
The first thing to note is that import car manufacturers are required to specify what kinds of fluids are to be used, so check with your Audi owner’s manual if you want to replace the fluids yourself, otherwise if you see a leak, or your levels are low, take it to your Audi repair shop without hesitation. Also, these are reminders only, if you are unsure of the process for each check, consult your owner’s manual.

Oil: Always check the oil when the engine is warm. Because oil expands when hot and contracts when cold, you will get different readings.
Brake Fluid: If you aren’t sure where the master cylinder is, check your owner’s manual. This is a small rectangular piece of metal with a plastic reservoir that holds the brake fluid. It has a rubber cap that reads “Use only Dot 3 or 4 brake fluid from a sealed container”. Newer cars have this clear plastic reservoir that is easy to see through for checking fluid levels.
Radiator Fluid/ Coolant: Low coolant leads to expensive repairs. Radiator fluid is the most important part of your Audi’s cooling system. Do not attempt to check coolant levels if your car is overheating. The reservoir will be under a lot of pressure and you can be seriously burned.
Automatic Transmission Fluid: You need to check this every month and when your transmission isn’t shifting properly if your Audi is automatic.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid: If you have a manual transmission, you either have a hydraulic clutch which needs fluid; otherwise, you have a cable that connects the clutch pedal to the transmission.
Power Steering Fluid (if applicable): Most cars require a particular type of power steering fluid for that model, so check your owner’s manual for the type that fits your Audi.
Windshield Wiper Fluid: This is another check you will need to do only when your engine is cool. One slip of the hose and you could be scalded with anti-freeze or hot water.

CHECK HOSES
Old radiator hoses feel crunchy to the touch when squeezing. If you have an old hose that is frayed or cracked or one with a leak, get it replaced immediately. Faulty hoses will cause overheating due to coolant leaks and will lead to costly repairs. Perform this check when engine is cool.

CHECK BELTS
Belts are used to operate the fan, water pump, alternator, air conditioner, power steering pump and smog pump so a broken belt will lead to a slew of problems and costly Audi repair.
If it’s cracked or can be easily pushed more than 1 inch, it most likely needs to be replaced.

CHECK ENGINE LEAKS
The only fluids that get used up are your gasoline and windshield wiper fluids, otherwise, all other fluid stay where they are. If you notice you levels are low, you probably have a leak. Many leaks are detectable by simply opening the hood and observing the engine. Sticky green fluid is coolant, Windex looking fluid for windshields, dark colored fluid is engine oil, dark honey colored fluid with a chestnut smell is gear oil, slippery yellow liquid is brake fluid, slippery red liquid is automatic transmission fluid and gasoline although not visibly detectible, well, smells like gas.

Your Audi repair shop knows exactly what kind of belts, hoses and fluids are to be used on your particular model, so if you find a problem in your checks, get them fixed a.s.a.p.!

We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Downtown, River Oaks, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.

Audi is more than “just a car”.  It is synonymous with superiority in the field of safety, luxury, and high-performance driving.  So it’s no accident that Audi owners do not trust the life of their cars to “just a mechanic”. The Audi mechanic is highly specialized in their field, and undergoes specific training to insure that the repairs meet Audi specifications.  The Audi manufacturer has specified procedures in carrying out regular servicing, preventive maintenance and mechanical repairs, all of which an Audi mechanic is trained to do.  The sophistication of the Audi machines requires complex diagnostic systems for maintaining the life of the vehicle;   so it is important to find a manufacturer-trained mechanic who has the equipment to work on your luxury car.

There are several points to look for when finding your Audi mechanic.  The most important aspect is to look for proper certification.  Foreign cars are quite different from their American counterparts, having more complex engines and electronic features.  Also it is important to find a technician who will stand by their work.  Do they offer warranties on parts that aren’t OEM products that are comparable to the original part?  If your Audi mechanic cannot offer you peace of mind, it’s advisable to look elsewhere.  Contacting your local dealership is a good avenue to take in finding qualified references. Auto clubs can also be helpful in finding someone most experienced in your nationality of car.

Sadly, outrageous mark-ups are not uncommon in the foreign repair industry, so make sure to get several written estimates before making your final decision.  Along with being competent, clean, professional, and reliable, your Audi mechanic must be fair.   It is a common misconception that in order to maintain your new car warranty, you have to have your Audi service done at an Audi dealership.  This is not the case.  Also the dealerships are not the only ones who can handle service issues with the utmost expertise.  If you are tired of paying dealership labor rates and waiting forever to get your car serviced, finding the right Audi mechanic is well worth the research.

The Audi goes beyond a means of transportation.  Few purchase this fine automobile just to get from point A to B.  It is their quest for excellence, safety, style and reliability that sets the Audi owner apart from the average consumer.  Therefore, choosing the most competent technicians to care for their cars is an extension of their strive for merit.  The proper Audi mechanic should continually stay abreast on the latest technologies and developments of the cars they work on and have a zeal for perfection.  However, if you take care of your Audi, the only thing you may bring it in for is detailing and scheduled servicing.  300,000 miles is a cake walk for the life of an Audi if properly maintained.

We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Downtown, River Oaks, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.

Audi has a reputation for being a high-performance, luxury car that you can trust in safety and endurance.  So why entrust your Audi repairs to a mechanic who isn’t specially trained in working on one of the finest cars ever made?  It’s like going to your general practitioner to get a root canal!  Audi manufactures machines of sophistication and diagnostic complexities, which require a specialist in his field.  If you choose to bypass the high labor expenses of the dealerships, and the long waits for simple servicing, seek out a shop that specializes in Audi repair.

Just because a facility advertises that it’s an import repair shop, doesn’t necessarily mean they have the expertise to work on your Audi.  Audi is a German engineered automobile with German specifications that are much different than let’s say a Lamborghini being manufactured in Italy.  So being under the umbrella of “import” repairs is a “one-size-fits-all” approach which never ends up being a good fit.

Audi repair shops have certified professional technicians who maintain the highest levels of training, and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment specialized for your Audi.  They have access to Audi genuine parts which will keep your car 100% Audi.  A skilled Audi repair staff is trained in the specialized Audi diagnostic procedure to properly investigate the source of any and all problems you may be experiencing.   This enables the Audi technicians to carry out the quality of work that every Audi owner expects for their luxury car.

When seeking out service for your Audi repairs,   you can be rest assured that a certified Audi mechanic will handle your needs with excellence in his field.  For example, they know exactly Audi’s expectation on factory scheduled servicing.  The 300,000 mile life expectancy of Audi is not a lofty goal with proper maintenance and servicing.  Entrusting your Audi to experts who care and appreciate the nature of your international vehicle will keep it running at peak performance for many years to come.

The Audi attention to detail and excellence should be reflective in the environment of the Audi repair shop.  It should be clean to point of being almost sterile.  Showing pride in one’s surroundings is a good indicator that they take proper care and pride in their work as well.  The equipment should look cared for, and the general environment should be well organized.  Fine European cars need a certain type of attention and care; so, this is a great way of assessing good quality work without having to find out the hard way.

The time used in doing just a little bit of research for your Audi repairs will result in a pleasant experience, and will get you back on the road where your Audi is most at home.  You sought excellence in buying your Audi, and with a great Audi mechanic as your wing man, be certain you will be able to cherish many miles of luxury, road hugging, driving experiences to come.  Take care of your Audi and it will take care of you.

We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Downtown, River Oaks, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.

At Today’s European Cars, we have been specializing in VW repair since 1985, serving Houston and the surrounding areas with quality service and repair work for their European cars.  Our certified VW repair mechanics have a passion for Volkswagens, young and old, and want to keep them on the street and out of the junk yard just as much as you do.

Volkswagen was created to be “the people’s car”, back in the 1930’s, when before its arrival, the cost of a car would be as much as the average family would make in a year.  Since then, Volkswagen has created iconic models that have transcended time such as the Beetle or “slug bug”, and the VW Van reminiscent of “flower power” from the 60’s. They evoke nostalgic stares and can spark stories between complete strangers over fond memories and happy times.  Volkswagen has become an endearing part of our American culture and we enjoy being able to help carry on that tradition by employing a knowledgeable staff that specializes in VW repair and service.

Today’s European Cars have certified mechanics that specialize not only in Volkswagen, but also Mercedes, BMW,Audi, Volvo and Jaguar.  Our experienced mechanics have a great understanding of the complexities of foreign automobiles from their unique engines to their original electronic features.  Our certified technicians will be happy to answer any questions about your manufacturer’s requirements on regular servicing, as well as, inform you on proper preventative maintenance.  We have the right tools and diagnostic systems needed to perform quality inspections along with major and minor repairs while maintaining the life of your vehicle.

We understand how difficult it is to find a good mechanic for your VW repairs, especially if you know nothing about working on cars.  Below is a list of how to be prepared when bringing your car in for a problem.

1. It is important that you have some uninterrupted time with your mechanic to have a discussion about your vehicle, so calling the service manager before hand for an available time slot for this is recommended.
2. Call before you go in to report your problem and find out what kind of information they will need from you pertaining to your situation…for example, you might need to know if the problem occurs only when the roads are wet, or the when you experience severe weather changes.
3. Go over these problems with your mechanic and give him a written list for him to keep.
4. If your mechanic is still unclear on the issues, have him drive it around the block.  When he comes back with an explanation, make sure you both are clear about the problem, even though he might speak with different terminology.
5. When you pick up your car, make sure it goes around the block again and is free from the original problem.  It is also a good idea to be on alert for any new glitches that might occur after a repair.  If it’s not perfect, take it back immediately.

We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Downtown, River Oaks, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.