To help drivers and prospective Audi buyers, we have collated the most commonly asked Audi A3 questions in this handy guide. we are talking maintenance schedules, common problems and component repairs brought to you by our WhoCanFixMyCar experts.
For the Audi A3, the recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the exact model and size of your wheels.
The accurate pressure levels can be found in your car’s owner manual or on the tyre placard which is stuck on the inside of your car’s driver door.
The tyre pressure of your Audi A3 can be checked by a professional or at a designated tyre pump stand at some petrol stations and garages. Alternatively, you can check your Audi’s tyre pressure at home with the use of a handheld pressure gauge.
Upon the tyre pressure warning light illuminating on your dashboard, the first point of call is to check the pressure of all of your tyres as it the light may just indicate low pressure. The next step is to drive again to check if the light goes off. If it remains on, you may have a slow or serious puncture on your hands and we would advise that you contact a garage promptly to prevent any further damage occurring.
To and reset the tyre pressure warning light from your Audi A3 dashboard using the centre digital display between the analogue dials:
Ensure vehicle is stationary and the engine is turned off.
Check and adjust all tyres to the recommended pressures
Without starting the engine, turn the ignition key to the ON position.
Using the button on the end of the window wiper, enter the Display Type menu.
Scroll up and select ‘Set’.
Scroll down and select ‘Tyre Pressure’.
Select ‘Store’ and confirm it.
The dashboard lights of your Audi A3 vary depending on the version of your car, and the country in which it was manufactured.
Typically, the traffic lights system applies whereby the colour of the warning light demonstrates how severe the situation is.
A red light indicates urgency by which you should pull over as soon as is safe, an orange symbol is less immediate but its recommended to book in at a garage.
A flashing symbol also indicates that it is an urgent issue.
Your engine warning light illuminating on your dashboard could be the sign of a range of problems. it could be as simple as a loose gas cap to a serious transmission or engine problem.
The Audi A3 engine warning light may also light up for a range of other reasons from worn spark plugs, a bad catalytic converter or problems with your oxygen sensor.
If the warning light illuminates and you cannot locate the source of the problem, we recommend that you contact a garage.
This is one of the most serious warning lights on your Audi A3 dashboard.
If this light (which resembles a dripping oil can) illuminates red, stop your engine immediately and consult your vehicle’s handbook.
You may simply have to top up the oil to extinguish the light but if it remains on, there could be a much more serious issue that requires a garage to investigate.
Services ensure safety of your vehicle, and ultimately prolong its life and increase its resale value. Audi recommends a full service every 12 months if you undertake less than 10,000 miles a year. Regular long journeys are actually better for your vehicle’s engine therefore if you drive over 10,000 miles Audi recommend full services every two years and interim in between.
A number of A3 owners (possessing models made between 2003 and 2005) have reported issues with the flywheel, a component of the car which connects the engine to the clutch. The issue concerns the flywheel becoming damaged or shattering suddenly. This can cause substantial damage to the whole engine.
Certain vehicles built between 2008 and 2009, there has been a recognised fault with the clutch temperature gauge. This component engages the clutch when the car heats up which eventually means the car loses power on the road. Audi did actually recall a number of vehicles when this issue cropped up so is no longer of concern to current Audi A3 drivers.
Clutch shatter can best be described as a vibration when the clutch is released and is as its worst when starting your car from a complete stop. The cause of your clutch shatter could be a multitude of things from the disc, to a distorted pressure plate and/or damaged release bearing. To have your clutch shudder properly diagnosed and repaired we recommend that you visit a specialist Audi A3 garage.
The oil capacity for your Audi A3 depends upon the specific make and manufacturer year of your vehicle.
The exact quantity for which can be found in your owner’s manual.
The majority of Audi A3’s have an engine oil capacity of around 4.5 litres.
Oil leaks can range in severity, some causing a great extent of damage and resulting in some pretty costly repairs.
Diagnosing the leak by locating its source is half the battle, having an Audi A3 specialist mechanic or garage take a look at the leak can eliminate your stress and fix the leak before it develops into anything more sinister.
Battery replacement is an certainty when it comes to keeping a car long-term.
They typically have a lifespan of around 3-5 years, but can occasionally faulter before this term, often unavoidably.
The signs to look out for, in order to book in quick replacement and avoid any further damage and subsequent costs, encompass:
A greater difficulty starting your car
Loss of power to electrics
Dimmer lights
Battery warning symbol illuminating
If the battery of your Audi A3 dies, the first point of call is to attempt a jump start.
If this fails and you are pretty certain that your battery has died for good, contact a garage promptly for a battery replacement.