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Find Out What Goes Into Your Audi Service

Added: 17 October 2025

So, let's be honest, when was your Audi last properly checked?

As here even modern cars need regular care to stay safe and reliable, and to even keep their warranties and any finance agreements in check as well.

As a result, ignoring your service schedule really does risk more than just an inconvenient breakdown for you; it puts stress on your key components, leading to a much higher repair bill later on as a result.

For instance, you might assume your car is fine, but actually hidden wear and tear is quietly reducing its fuel efficiency and your resale value as well.

Faint Rattles

That faint rattle or that slight hesitation when accelerating is not just annoying - it is your car asking for your attention, for instance.

So, if you skip a service, you are letting old, sludgy oil grind down your engine’s delicate parts, and you are risking invalidating your warranty and dramatically increasing the chances of a major, expensive failure as well.

Worse, a neglected car might not even brake or handle correctly as you would expect when you need it the most - in an emergency situation - compromising both your safety and the safety of your passengers as a result.

Audi Servicing

In comes the Audi service which is a precise, structured maintenance plan designed by the manufacturer to eliminate these risks.

As a result, by following your scheduled service plan, you guarantee your Audi receives the exact oil, filters, and attention it needs at the right time. This transparent, pre-agreed check-up maintains your vehicle’s safety, efficiency, and value, ensuring you have total confidence every time you turn the key.

Table of Contents

Audi Mechanic Holding Batter

Understanding Your Audi Service Schedule

Audi, like other Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles, uses a detailed service schedule that is often determined by the vehicle itself.

For instance, here there are two main servicing regimes:

Fixed Inspection Schedule (Annual)

The Fixed Inspection Schedule service is recommended if you drive less than 10,000 miles per year, mainly in town, or frequently take short trips, as this service is due every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Flexible Inspection Schedule (LongLife)

The flexible inspection schedule service is then recommended for higher mileage drivers who mainly drive longer, steady motorway journeys.

The car's computer then calculates the service's due date, which can be up to 2 years or 18,600 miles.

The Oil Change Service (Minor)

The Oil Change Service is to be more seen as an essential, basic requirement, focusing on the components that matter most to your engine health and its longevity.

For instance, here this service includes:

  • Draining and replacing the engine oil and replacing the oil filter.
  • Basic checks of the lighting, instrument cluster, and horn.
  • Visual check of the tyres, brake pads, and fluid levels.
  • Top-up of windscreen wash.

The Inspection Service (Major)

The Inspection Service is then your most comprehensive service that you can get booked in. As this scheduled check happens either annually (Fixed) or biennially (Flexible).

As a result, it includes all of the Oil Change Service items plus a thorough physical inspection of the entire vehicle at the same time.

For instance, this service includes:

  • All Oil Change Service items.
  • In-depth inspection of the brakes, steering, suspension, battery, bodywork, and drivetrain.
  • Any supplementary work, such as key replacement parts like the air filter, pollen filter, and spark plugs (for petrol engines), is replaced when due, often on separate time / mileage intervals that coincide with this Inspection Service.

Audi Service Options

The type of service required depends on your car's age, mileage, and service regime (Fixed / Flexible).

For instance, this can be based around:

Service Type Service Type Interval (Fixed Regime) Primary Focus
Oil Change Service Minor / Interim Every 1 year or 9,300 miles Engine health: Oil and oil filter replacement, essential fluid top-ups, and basic safety checks (tyres, brakes, lights).
Inspection Service Major / Full Every 2 years or 18,600 miles Comprehensive safety and maintenance check: Includes Oil Change Service items plus a bumper-to-bumper inspection of the chassis, steering, suspension, and drivetrain.
Supplementary Work Scheduled Replacements Time / mileage dependent (e.g., 2 years / 30k miles) Replacement of key parts, often alongside the Inspection Service: Air filter, pollen filter, spark plugs (petrol), brake fluid (every 2 years), and sometimes fuel filter (diesel).
Manufacturer Service Approved Dealer Fixed or Flexible Service performed by Audi-trained technicians using Audi Genuine Parts. Guarantees warranty compliance and updates the digital service history.

What Affects the Price of Your Audi Service?

Your total service cost and the cost of any repairs needed afterwards can vary for several reasons, including, for instance:

Key Cost Factors
Model & Engine Size Larger or high-performance models (S, RS, Q7/Q8) generally cost more due to larger component sizes (e.g., more oil required) and specialised parts.
Service Type A Major (Inspection) Service is always more expensive than a Minor (Oil Change) Service due to the extensive labour and checks involved.
Vehicle Age Older cars often require additional maintenance items (like cam belt / timing belt replacement or gearbox oil changes) at set high mileage points, leading to higher bills.
Wear and Tear The service price does not include wear and tear of replacement items like new brake pads, discs, or tyres, and any necessary repairs identified during the service will be quoted separately.
Location Labour rates can vary across the UK. Dealerships in major metropolitan areas often have higher fixed prices than those in smaller towns.
Audi Mechanic Inspecting Tyres

Detailed Service Breakdown, What Actually Gets Checked?

When one of our manufacturer-trained technicians works on your Audi, they follow a detailed, manufacturer-approved checklist.

As a result, here is a clear breakdown of the main areas that get inspected, so you know what is checked and what goes on more behind the scenes:

Under the Bonnet in the Engine Bay

Under the hood, a lot gets checked, including, for instance:

1. Oil and Oil Filter

The old oil is drained and replaced with the correct specification of fresh, clean oil, and the oil filter is replaced to remove tiny metal particles and dirt.

2. Air Filter

This is then checked for cleanliness and replaced where needed to make sure the engine breathes properly, which will only help with your fuel efficiency and power (when due).

3. Brake and Clutch Fluid

Your Brake and Clutch fluids are also checked for moisture content (which reduces your braking performance if it is allowed to build up).

Note: This fluid is typically scheduled for replacement every two years, regardless of the main service schedule you go through as well.

4. Coolant / Antifreeze

Your coolant and antifreeze are checked to make sure it is at the correct level and strength to prevent overheating and freezing from occurring in your engine.

5. Pollen Filter / Cabin Filter

Any Pollen Filters / Cabin Filters are also replaced to keep dust, pollen, and pollutants out of the air you breathe inside the car (when it is due).

Brakes, Wheels, and Tyres

Your brakes, wheels and tyres, then have a lot of checks on them done, including for instance:

1. Brake Pads and Discs

These are then measured for wear and tear. If the pad is worn down past a safe limit, a replacement is recommended.

2. Tyre Tread Depth and Pressure

All four tyres (and the spare, if you have one) are checked to make sure they meet the legal minimum tread depth (which is 1.6mm in the UK) and are inflated to the correct pressure if they are below this.

3. Tyre Condition

Your tyres are then inspected for their condition by checking them all over for any cuts, cracks, or bulges, which can lead to a dangerous blowout.

4. Suspension

Your shock absorbers and springs are then checked for leaks or damage.

Under the Car and Drivetrain

Under your car and for your drivetrain, the following is then checked:

1. Exhaust System

Your exhaust system is then checked for leaks, damage, and to make sure it still has a secure mounting to your car.

As a leaking exhaust can draw dangerous fumes into the cabin, which nobody wants.

2. Steering System

Your steering system is then checked for excessive movement or wear in its joints and couplings, which can affect your handling if they are not tightened up.

3. Gearbox / Drive Shafts

Your gearbox and drive shafts are then also checked for leaks from the gearbox (either manual or automatic) and any damage that may have occurred to the protective CV joint gaiters (which are rubber boots that keep the dirt out of the joints).

Electrics and Bodywork

For your electrics and bodywork, the following areas get checked:

1. Lighting

Every light bulb is tested, from your headlights (dipped and full beam), brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reverse lights, for instance.

2. Battery Health

Your battery health is then tested to check its charging capacity and general health.

The service here also includes checking for any outstanding software or product enhancements from Audi, and getting these installed and updated for you as well.

3. Wipers and Washers

Your wipers are checked for splits or streaking, and your washer jets are also checked to make sure that they still give you an effective spray.

4. Horn

Your horn is also tested to ensure it works properly.

Audi Service Checklist, Minor vs. Major

To make it easier to see the differences, we have put together this table to summarise the key differences between your two scheduled service types and highlight common optional maintenance items that can occur as well, to give you a better understanding of what is included in each.

Check / Replacement Oil Change Service (Minor) Inspection Service (Major)
Engine Oil and Filter Change ✔ (Included) ✔ (Included)
Comprehensive Safety Inspection (Brakes, Tyres, Suspension, Steering) Basic Visual Check ✔ (Detailed Inspection)
Check/Top-up Essential Fluid Levels (Coolant, Screenwash) ✔ (Included) ✔ (Included)
Full Diagnostic System Check (Scan for fault codes) ✔ (Included) ✔ (Included)
Exterior Lighting & Wipers Test ✔ (Included) ✔ (Included)
Cabin Pollen Filter Replacement X (Not Included) ✔ (Included or due on supplementary schedule)
Engine Air Filter Replacement X (Not Included) ✔ (Included or due on supplementary schedule)
Spark Plugs Replacement (Petrol) X (Not Included) X (Supplementary Work—Checked, replaced **when due** by mileage/time)
Road Test X (Not always routine) ✔ (Standard Procedure)

Optional and Supplementary Add-on Services

There are also a number of other items that are done on a separate schedule, often alongside your Inspection Service:

These can include, for instance:

Brake Fluid Change

Recommended every two years, regardless of mileage, to make sure braking performance is not degraded by moisture absorption.

Air Conditioning Refresh/Service

Recommended every two years to clean the system, eliminate bacteria/odours, and ensure correct refrigerant levels.

DSG / S tronic Gearbox Oil Change

Required at specific mileage intervals (typically 40,000 miles) to maintain the transmission's reliability.

MOT Test

Can be combined with any service when due for convenience.

Wheel Alignment / Tracking

Recommended after new tyres are fitted or if steering feels inaccurate, to prevent uneven tyre wear.

Audi Mechaninc Inspecting Brake Disc

Understanding Your Tyres as part of the service

When checking over your tyres, we look far beyond just the tread depth.

For instance, here your tyre's sidewall contains a code that provides all the necessary information for safety and performance about it.

Tyre Size and Dimensions

The main part of the tyre code describes its physical shape, for instance:

  • Tyre width is contained in the first three-digit number (e.g., 225) is the width of the tyre in millimetres.
  • Rim Diameter is next with the number here immediately following the 'R' (e.g., R18), which specifies the diameter of the wheel (or rim diameter) in inches.

Tyre Performance Ratings

Then, the last part of the code we can use to know more about your exact tyres tells us your tyres' operating limits.

For instance, here they are based around:

  • Your exact Load Index, which is a number that indicates the maximum weight the tyre can safely carry (load index).
  • Tyre Speed Rating, which is also the final letter (e.g., V, W, or Y) and specifies the maximum speed the tyre can safely sustain when carrying its maximum load (tyre speed rating).

As a result, when it comes to your service, around your tyres our technicians can then use your exact codes when checking the specifications and for any replacement tyres, to make sure they are perfectly matched to your Audi’s performance and safety requirements that you come to expect.

MOT and Combined Services

What a lot of drivers will also tend to do is book their service just before their MOT. In this way, any issues that arise as part of the service can then be corrected before it goes for its MOT, giving you a much higher chance of a pass as a result.

The MOT test (Ministry of Transport test) is an annual legal requirement for all cars over three years old in the UK.

As a result, it is not a service, but a mandatory check to make sure your Audi meets the minimum safety standards and environmental roadworthiness standards that all cars on the UK roads are expected to meet.

As a result, this includes inspections of your brakes, steering, lights, tyres, emissions, and structural integrity.

Due to this it is highly recommended to combine your annual service with your MOT test, and when booked together, this is often offered at a standard price that is lower than booking separately, saving you money and time, as a result.

Motability and Accessibility Services

If you own your Audi through the Motability Scheme, your planned servicing and maintenance are generally included in your lease package.

This means you do not pay anything extra for scheduled services, and the cost of necessary repairs (like worn brakes or batteries) is usually covered.

Approved Workshops

As a Motability customer, you will also benefit from using approved workshops that guarantee the use of Audi genuine parts and up-to-date Audi diagnostic machines as well, like ours.

Which is ideal as you will also receive comprehensive breakdown cover via Audi roadside assistance, which also offers you 24/7 support wherever you are in the UK.

Audi Merchandise

What Happens on the Day of Your Service?

On the day of your service, it is pretty straightforward, for instance, here you will:

Digital Check In

You can start off by completing most of the necessary paperwork remotely before your appointment online, saving you time when you get here.

Then you will pull up and for a quick, hassle-free arrival and departure, you check in with one of our team, hand over the keys, and you can then either wait, or get on with your day and come back later on

We then carry out the service on your Audi.

Then, for you to fully understand any work recommended after your car has been inspected, our workshop will get in touch and let you have a video of the work that has been carried out, showing exactly what they have found and explaining why any additional work is required.

Then, when you come back in, one of our team members will then go over everything they have found with you and talk you through any additional repairs that may be required as well.

Ready to Book Your Service?

So do not delay your essential maintenance and schedule your Audi's service in, because as you see, this is the single most important step you can take to maintain its safety, performance, and resale value.

Book Now

Use our quick online tool to book your service and / or MOT.

You will then choose your preferred date, time to make it as convenient for you as possible.

Need Advice?

If you are unsure whether your vehicle requires a Minor (Oil Change) or Major (Inspection) service, or if you need to discuss Motability or specific repair work, please contact our team directly.

Customers With Audi Salesmen

Genuine Parts and Warranty

To ensure your Audi maintains its performance, fuel efficiency, and safety standards, it was built with, we will also strictly use Audi Genuine Parts and original equipment.

What is Original Equipment?

The term Original equipment (OE) refers to the parts that were fitted to your car when it was brand new in the factory.

As a result, when we use genuine Audi parts for replacements, we guarantee that the component meets the exact quality specifications of the original equipment it is replacing.

This, in turn then protects your car’s warranty and its long-term reliability as a result.

Audi Battery

Beyond The Mechanical Service, Bodywork and Accident Repair

While mechanical servicing keeps the engine healthy, we can also offer you more specialist services to maintain your Audi's cosmetic and structural integrity.

For instance, this could be for a number of reasons, such as:

Accident Repair

In the event of a collision, our Audi approved body shop also can provide you with full Accident repair services as well if required.

Here, for instance, we can restore your Audi to its factory condition using genuine parts and manufacturer-approved repair methods, making sure that any structural damage is professionally repaired to maintain its safety standards in the process.

Cosmetic Repairs

Then, for those who need a cosmetic repair, we can also help to keep your Audi looking its best by handling minor damage that it has sustained as well.

This, for instance, includes fixing dents, scratches, alloy wheel refurbishments, and minor paintwork, for example.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Audi Servicing

Some questions that we get asked about frequently here tend to include, for instance:

This depends on your service regime, as for fixed servicing (recommended for short journeys), it's every 12 months or 10,000 miles.

For Flexible (LongLife) servicing, the car's computer dictates the interval, which can be up to 2 years or 18,600 miles.

The Oil Change Service is a basic health check and fluid replacement. The Inspection Service (Major) is a full, bumper-to-bumper strip-down check of all major safety and mechanical components (brakes, suspension, steering) that happens every two years.

No. Items like spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filters are considered Supplementary Work. They are replaced at specific time or mileage intervals (e.g., every 40,000 miles) and are quoted separately when they are due, often coinciding with your Inspection Service.

Combining them is convenient and safer. By servicing the car first, any minor faults (like a faulty bulb or worn tyre) that would cause an MOT failure can be fixed straight away, ensuring you have a much higher chance of passing first time.

No. The cost of a service only covers the labour for checking systems and replacing scheduled fluids/filters. It does not cover wear and tear items like brake pads, discs, or tyres. If these are flagged during the inspection, you will receive a separate quote for replacement.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture) and loses effectiveness over time, compromising braking safety. Audi recommends replacing the brake fluid every two years, regardless of the mileage covered.

The DSH is the electronic record of all service work carried out on your car, stored centrally by Audi. Always ensure your technician updates this record, as it is crucial for maintaining your car's resale value and verifying its maintenance history.

Genuine parts are designed, tested, and guaranteed to fit your specific model perfectly. They maintain the structural integrity and performance of your Audi, ensuring any manufacturer warranty remains valid and providing optimal safety.

The best way to get a fixed price is to contact the service centre with your vehicle registration number (reg) and current mileage. This allows them to check your car’s exact model, engine size, and historical records to determine precisely what work is due.

So is a Audi Service Right For You?

So there you have it, an Audi service is a preventative care, protecting you from costly breakdowns, all while maintaining your vehicle value in the process.

All while your services alternate between Minor (annual/10,000 miles) and Major (biennial/20,000 miles), with a Minor service focusing on oil and filter changes, basic fluid top-ups, and those essential safety checks (lights, tyres, brakes).

With the Major service being more of a deep-dive, it adds replacement of the air and pollen filters, spark plugs, and an overall comprehensive inspection of all your steering, suspension, and drivetrain components.

But, as you can see, every service uses detailed checklists, honest assessments, and manufacturer-approved specifications to give you the peace of mind that your car is safe, efficient, and reliable on the road as it can be.


Audi Brake Disc

If you liked our Audi service guide, you might like our other car buying guides, car reviews, and the latest news from the automotive industry, including:

Who Is Audi Heritage?

Here at Heritage Audi, we are a trusted car dealership that has been serving customers for many years.

Consequently, we can offer you a wide range of new and Approved used Audi vehicles, and we are proud to provide you with excellent customer service and expert advice to help you find the perfect car.

As a result, we are known for our friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are always ready to assist with any questions or needs you may have.

We can also provide professional you with aftercare services, including maintenance, repairs, MOTs, and genuine Audi parts, to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

With a strong reputation in the community, we are committed to delivering you a high-quality experience, whether you’re buying a new car or servicing your current one.

We are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which allows us to act as a Credit Broker and to offer you some great car financing, offers and new car deals as a result as well.

Overall, our goal is to ensure that every one of our customers drives away happy and confident in their Audi.
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