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Although Audis are well known for their stellar and consistent performance, even these reputable vehicles require maintenance from time to time. When preventative maintenance like getting your Audi’s coolant flushed or replaced is neglected, your vehicle is bound to experience problems that can quickly become expensive and reduce how much you can drive. In this article, we will cover some important information about getting your coolant replaced.

How frequently should coolant be replaced or flushed?

For older models of Audis, it is commonly recommended that the cooling system be flushed every 30,000 miles or every 2 years, whichever comes first. Newer Audis, on the other hand, tend to use coolants with an extended life-span, meaning they can often go without a system flush or change for at least 100,000 miles. However, be sure to check your owner’s manual, as these general recommendations do not always apply to specific models of Audis.

Common Indicators that Your Coolant Needs Replaced

Failing to get your vehicle’s coolant replaced or the system flushed every now and then is one of the leading causes of an abrupt breakdown. Problems with the cooling system tend to lead to extensive damage and even complete engine failure in some cases. Thankfully, there are a few common signs of a coolant issue that you should notice before your Audi’s engine stops working. If you notice any of these signs, contact a service technician as soon as possible.

Overheating Engine

An overheating engine is the most serious indicator of a coolant issue, as it means that the problem has significantly progressed. Common signs of your Audi’s engine overheating include hissing or steam coming from beneath the hood, a strange smell like burning rubber, oil, or boiled water, and the temperature gauge approaching the danger areas: red or HOT on the far right side.

Leaking or Low Levels of Coolant

Be sure to check your levels of coolant very often, as a low level of coolant may be an indicator of a leak. If there is a leak, a hose or belt may be torn and in need of a replacement. Coolant can become acidic overtime, which may also cause leaks and damages in the radiator and the water pump. Sometimes, your vehicle has simply used too much coolant already for the engine to continue functioning correctly. If that is the case, the coolant light should be on.

Color Changes in Coolant

Most coolants are orange, yellow, or light green in color. It is important to know which shade of coolant is used for your Audi, as this will make it easier for you to take note of visual changes that often indicate if there is an issue with the coolant. For instance, if rust gets into your vehicle’s supply of coolant, it will add a red tone to the original color and alter it. Rust in particular may clog up the cooling system and quickly cause the engine to overheat.

Odor from the Vehicle

You may notice a sweet smell coming from your vehicle all of a sudden. Unless you recently purchased an air freshener, this is not normal. Coolants usually have ethylene glycol in them, which is what produces the sweet smell as it begins to burn away. This scent could also be caused by a leaking radiator hose or heater core, but you should turn your engine off if you notice this sign.

No Heat from Heating System

Hot coolant has to travel through your engine for warm air to come from the vents of the heating system. If the air coming out is not warm, this could be a sign that your coolant is low or becoming corrosive and needs replaced.

Audi Coolant Replacement

How European Service Center Can Help

European Service Center is the best automotive service and repair shop in the Dallas, TX area. Clients also come from the nearby towns of Alpharetta, Chamblee, Cumming, Norcross, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Roswell, and Atlanta, GA to rely on our expertise.

Our Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians can quickly flush and replace your Audi’s coolant with our factory-grade equipment. If you are interested in such types of routine maintenance or have a coolant problem, please contact us as soon as possible.