Advice on Spark Plugs/Air Filter

[Kuljit Singh]

Hi guys, got my 2015 A3 1.4tsfi 150bhp sportback manual, recently. The car came with 1 owner and full service history. Its just came to being 4 years old and i checked its service history online and in the physical service book. Its had 2 services at main dealer, one at 22k and one at 43k last June.

In these 2 services car has only had the Oil filter, oil change, dust and pollen filter changed as well as aircon regas and a brake fluid change. The car is currently on 52k and oil/inspection is not due till next 9k/360 days.

I did not see any mention of Air Filter or Spark plugs being changed. Could anyone suggest whether i need to get these changed now? or shall i get them changed when the car is next due for oil/inspection as per the mmi service reading? What mileage/age is the guidline?

Also would it be best to use genuine Audi Spark Plugs and Air Filter? Or are any particular branded ones recommended? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[traindweller]

I have the same model and engine (15) as you, the 'My Audi' additional work guidance stated when I bought it new was;
Dust and Pollen every 40,000 or two years
Spark plugs, 40,000 or six years
Air filter as 60,000 but no time limit
Camshaft drive toothed belt,renew 140,000 miles no time limit.
Brake fluid 3 years then every 2 years.
No comment about air con.

Interesting that the main dealer did not adhere to the schedule but not surprising for me. I go to a very good indy and have oil and pollen filter change every year,Air filter every other year. Brake fluid tested every year and will have spark plugs at the 40k recommended.
Need to discuss the toothed belt with the Indy garage as it will take me about 18 years to reach the 140 k Audi suggest ! Most of my other Audi cars owned over the last 25 years had the belt changed every five years with water pump etc included. lifetime belts are very attractive but it will be the later owners that have the problems I suspect.

 

[Kuljit Singh]

Thanks for the reply, so as im on 52k, the spark plugs are definitely ready to change then? Do you use genuine audi spark plugs? And how often are you meant to change them?

Also my car seems like it was on a "every 2 year" service plan having oil, oil filter, pollen filter with brake fluid change. When i rang Audi they said they use a long life oil grade so its meant to be changed every 2 years or 19k miles and that has been programmed in the mmi. When i checked my dipstick, the oil seemed pretty clean and not black, car has done 9k since last service. What is best to do, yearly oil change or every 2 years?

Also did you change your air filter at 60k? Or did you change it sooner?

Thanks

 

[traindweller]

Thanks for the reply, so as im on 52k, the spark plugs are definitely ready to change then? Do you use genuine audi spark plugs? And how often are you meant to change them?

Also my car seems like it was on a "every 2 year" service plan having oil, oil filter, pollen filter with brake fluid change. When i rang Audi they said they use a long life oil grade so its meant to be changed every 2 years or 19k miles and that has been programmed in the mmi. When i checked my dipstick, the oil seemed pretty clean and not black, i have done 9k since last service. What is best to do, yearly oil change or every 2 years?

Also did you change your air filter at 60k? Or did you change it sooner?

Thanks

Spark plugs, yes I will have them changed at 40,000 as recommended and yes I will have OEM plugs from Audi as it is on a 5yr warranty and it is important to use OEM parts if using an Indy.
Long life or annual service depends on miles, I have had both over the years but now have both our A3's on annual regardless of miles, your choice but less then 10,000 miles a year I would go annual.
Regarding the air filter you can change earlier, I do every other year even though Audi recommend 60,000 miles.

 

[Kuljit Singh]

Thanks @traindweller

I will get the spark plugs changed soon then. I will wait for the car to hit 60k then get the air filter changed. As per oil change, i will get it changed next year once the car gets 5 years old, i will change it to a annual schedule.

I found a Audi specialist Indy in Nottingham called Autotechnik, i will get the service done from them, they use genuine parts.

Regarding the cambelt, i think i will get mine changed next year when im close to 60k and car being 5 years old. The Indy has quoted me £315 inc vat.