General information about maintenance (Audi A4 B7)

This chapter has been compiled to help the car owner maintain his vehicle in a state of maximum readiness for operation, receiving effective output from it while meeting the requirements for economy and safety. The schedule of current car maintenance is given in Section 3. Below, the reader is offered sections devoted to a detailed description of the order of performing each of the maintenance procedures separately. The material includes descriptions of visual checks, adjustments, procedures for removing and installing components, as well as various useful tips and recommendations. The illustrations of the engine compartment provided at the beginning of the chapter, as well as the accompanying illustrations to the text, will help the reader understand the location of the components on the vehicle that need to be serviced.

By servicing the car according to the agreed schedule and following the recommendations below, the reader will receive a clear program of actions, the implementation of which will ensure the long-term and reliable service of his car. Remember that this program is compiled on a comprehensive basis and the implementation of only individual points with disregard for others will not lead to the desired result.

Please also remember that under severe operating conditions, such as predominantly urban driving, frequent travel in mountainous areas, towing a trailer or driving in dusty conditions, maintenance should be performed more frequently.

In the process of servicing your car, the reader will see that many procedures can and should be combined into general groups due to their similar nature or proximity of components. For example, if the car is raised off the ground for any reason, you should take advantage of the opportunity and at the same time check the condition of the exhaust system components, suspension and steering. Also, having rented a torque wrench, check the tightening force of all accessible threaded fasteners. While rotating the wheels, at the same time assess the condition of the brake mechanisms and wheel bearings.

The first step in servicing a vehicle is always self-preparation of the performer. Carefully read the material in this chapter, then make a list of components that need attention, prepare the necessary tools and make a brief plan of the upcoming work. In case of unsolvable problems, seek help from car service specialists.