Service and Service records

[Fridgeguy]

Hi

I am new to this forum so please forgive me if if the question sounds stupid or in the wrong format but I wondered if anyone can advise please, I have 2016 Audi A4 Avant which I have had from new and love, it is now due a service and wondered about non Audi dealer servicing (due to terrible experiences at local Audi dealer) but am unsure if they can complete the online service record and if they would know what the service entails ?, is there anything to look out for in selecting a garage to carry out the work I live in Derby ( any recommended garages would be appreciated), I suspect that Genuine Audi parts should be used, the car is out of warranty but wish to ensure that when trading in at some point in the future the “non Audi” service does not detract from the service history. 

Thank you in advance for your advise.

Kind regards

Mike

[Magnet]

Hello Mike,

You raise some good points. 

I take it your model year doesn’t have an actual stamp-able service book, and the servicing record has to be logged into Audi’ online system. If so, and you wish to continue this, then you will need to find an independent who is linked to Audi’s system, and being cynical! - it is difficult for you to confirm they actually are, and will have logged the service. Perhaps they could show you an online record example of one which they have recently logged. Independents will usually only use genuine VAG parts, but again you will need to assure yourself about this. One final point would be to check the like for like costs of an independent against your local main dealer, and decide if the cost saving is worthwhile in your case. Beware, renewing things like pollen filters can be considered as ‘extras’, so you will need to check it is indeed like for like. Independents probably have access to updates, but again you would need to check on that. 

Local garage? Highly unlikely to have access to input servicing, but should be able to provide you will servicing receipts which you can obviously file for record purposes. Good local garages can often provide more thorough servicing, but may well use aftermarket parts. 

Sounds like ‘Full service history’ is important to you, so you will need to decide what gives you peace of mind towards that goal, and how much extra that peace of mind is worth to you. 

Perhaps some of this may help you.

Kind regards,

Gareth.  

[Fridgeguy]

Hi Gareth

thank you for your quick and kind response, very interesting answers not really hung up on it but wished to ask like minded people for their opinion,

I must be honest I hate the local Audi dealers and do not trust them to give good advice/value etc, historically they have wanted to replace brake pads at 65% worn (for 65%worn read read 35% left after 50,000 miles) and couldn't understand my refusal in addition I believe that the pads have warning sensors built in.

i have also had warranty problem with them, I had an MMI issue before the warranty expired, whilst normal driving on the Radio screen it would randomly display various phone numbers radio stations etc, it did not change anything or call anyone but was dammed annoying, logically it was something to do with the programmable touch buttons but nothing was touching them and I provided a video of it to them, when I took it in they removed the console cover and noted there was dust underneath ! which “could be” the issue and therefore warranty was denied I was quoted the best part of £1,100 to replace the module and would not even state that this would stop the problem !!, my response to them was that if dust had got under the cover and this was likely to cause a problem it should be sealed better and was therefore a manufacturing quality issue, this obviously fell on deaf ears.

i would have liked to give the business to a local Audi specialist garage really (if there is such a thing) using genuine Audi parts, because of the trust issue and hoping to save a bit as well.

once again Gareth, I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. 

Have a good day 

kind regards

 Mike

[Magnet]

Pleasure Mike.

It does seem as if there is some ‘history’ with your local dealer, and it’s understandable that you would want to steer away from them in favour of an independent. Hopefully some of the points I raised re. independents may allow you to ask questions and set up a rapport with whoever you use. 

Re. brake pads - just an observation, but if there was 35% left when they wanted to change them, then with a say 9mm starting point, the remaining pad thickness would be a bit over 3mm, and it may be understandable for the dealer to recommend renewing then since they could well be below the acceptable limit by the next time they see the car for servicing. Some may say cautionary approach, others might say rip-off. Just being devil’s advocate! 

Hopefully someone will come along and recommend  someone suitable in your area. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Fz0rb4]

Hi,

Another newbie to the forum - I have just got a B9 Avant (Audi Approved) - I am assuming that if I call Audi they can provide me with a service history or is that asking too much ?

Regards,

Manoj

[Steve Q]

1 hour ago, Fz0rb4 said:

Hi,

Another newbie to the forum - I have just got a B9 Avant (Audi Approved) - I am assuming that if I call Audi they can provide me with a service history or is that asking too much ?

Regards,

Manoj

Yep they should be able to provide full Audi history on an approved used audi 👍 you might need to prove you're the owner and pop into the dealer. But speak to Audi on the phone first.