Find answers to the most common Audi repair and maintenance questions at TP Auto Repair. Learn about service intervals, diagnostics, parts, and expert tips for every Audi model.
Why mechanics rarely “turn” brake rotors anymore Most shops replace brake rotors instead of machining (“turning”) them because modern rotors are thinner and cheaper, labor is more expensive, and resurfacing often leads to brake noise or pulsation comebacks; OEM guidance and liability concerns also push replacement over turning. In short, new rotors usually deliver more …
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil A failing ignition coil typically causes rough idle, misfires (especially under load), hard starting or no-start, loss of power, poor fuel economy, an illuminated check-engine light (often with P0300–P030X or P035X codes), occasional backfiring, fuel smell from the exhaust, and sometimes stalling. Below is a detailed look at what …
How to Tell if Your Car’s Thermostat Is Bad If your engine overheats quickly or never reaches normal temperature, the cabin heat is weak, or you see a check-engine light with codes like P0128, your thermostat may be failing. In most cases, a stuck-closed thermostat causes rapid overheating and a cold upper radiator hose, while …
Failing Ignition Coil Symptoms: What Drivers Need to Know A failing ignition coil typically causes misfires, rough idle, hard starts, loss of power under acceleration, poor fuel economy, and an illuminated or flashing check-engine light; you may also notice stalling, fuel smell from the exhaust, backfiring, and symptoms that worsen in rain or high humidity. …
Symptoms of a Failing Power Steering Pump Typical symptoms include a high-pitched whine or groan when turning, heavier or slower steering at low speeds, intermittent or jerky assist, shudder through the steering wheel, foamy or discolored fluid in the reservoir, visible fluid leaks, and sometimes a burning smell or belt squeal near the pump. These …
What Is the 30-30-30 Rule for Brakes? The 30-30-30 rule is an informal brake “bedding-in” guideline: perform about 30 moderate decelerations from roughly 30 mph (around 50 km/h), with about 30 seconds of cooling between each stop. This helps establish an even transfer layer on rotors/discs and properly mates brake pads to friction surfaces, improving …
Bad Steering Rack Symptoms: What to Watch For and How to Tell Typical symptoms of a failing steering rack include heavy or intermittent steering assist, loose or wandering steering, clunking or knocking when turning, poor self-centering, fluid leaks at the rack boots, an off-center wheel, uneven tire wear, and—on electric systems—steering warning lights or sudden …
Four signs your catalytic converter is failing The four most common signs are: the check engine light with efficiency codes (often P0420/P0430), a rotten-egg sulfur smell from the exhaust, noticeable loss of power or poor acceleration (especially at higher RPM), and a metallic rattling noise from under the car at idle or startup. These symptoms …
Is It Worth Fixing a Head Gasket? Usually yes—if the vehicle is otherwise solid, hasn’t been severely overheated, and the repair cost is comfortably less than the car’s market value. It’s often not worth it when the engine has suffered bottom-end damage or the car’s value is close to (or below) the repair estimate. The …
Is it worth fixing the alternator? In most cases, yes: fixing or replacing a failing alternator is worth it if the vehicle is otherwise sound. Typical installed cost in 2025 ranges from about $350–$900 for most cars and light trucks, with premium or hard-to-access models reaching $1,200–$1,600. It’s usually a straightforward repair that restores charging …
What Is a Fair Price for a Brake Job in 2025? For most mainstream cars in 2025, a fair price for a brake job consisting of new pads and rotors on one axle is typically $300–$600 at a reputable independent shop and $450–$800 at a dealership. Pads-only service generally runs $150–$300 per axle, while trucks/SUVs …
Can I Replace My Side Mirror Myself? Yes—on many cars, replacing a side mirror is a straightforward DIY job that takes 30–90 minutes and basic tools. However, if your mirror housing includes integrated cameras, blind‑spot indicators, auto-dimming, or power-fold features, you may need special procedures or calibration; in those cases, a professional repair is safer …
How much oil does a 2.0 L engine take? Most 2.0‑liter passenger‑car engines hold about 4.0 to 5.5 quarts of oil (roughly 3.8 to 5.2 liters) with a new filter, though some turbocharged or European designs can require 5.5 to 6.5 quarts (5.2 to 6.2 liters). The exact capacity depends on the specific engine family, …
Three Signs Your Cabin Air Filter Is Clogged The three most common symptoms of a clogged cabin air filter are weak airflow from the vents, a persistent musty or unpleasant odor in the cabin, and windows that fog up more easily with poor defog/defrost performance. These issues arise because a clogged filter restricts air movement …
Is It Worth Replacing a Car Radiator? Yes—if your radiator is leaking, clogged, or structurally damaged, replacing it is usually worth it because overheating can destroy an engine and transmission, leading to repairs far costlier than a new radiator. In other situations—like a bad cap, failing fan, or minor hose leak—targeted fixes can restore cooling …
Can I use a 28-inch wiper instead of a 26-inch? Usually, no—stick with the manufacturer’s recommended size. A 28-inch blade in place of a 26-inch often extends too far and can strike the windshield trim, the hood, the A-pillar, or even the opposite wiper. It may work on some vehicles with ample clearance, but you …
Is 4 mm OK on brake pads? Yes—with caveats. On passenger cars and light trucks, 4 mm of remaining friction material is generally safe for short-term driving but is close to the typical replacement threshold, so you should plan a brake job soon. On motorcycles, 4 mm is usually serviceable and often mid-life. On bicycles, …
Is It Worth Touching Up Car Paint? Yes—touching up small chips and light scratches is usually worth it to halt rust, keep the car looking presentable, and protect resale value at low cost. It’s not worth it for larger or numerous defects where a professional repaint will blend better and last longer. Here’s how to …
Is It Worth Fixing an AC Compressor in a Car? Often yes—if you plan to keep the car for several years and the vehicle is otherwise in good shape, repairing or replacing a failed AC compressor is typically worth it. Expect a total cost between roughly $900 and $2,500 for most gasoline cars in 2025, …
Is It Worth Replacing a Car AC Compressor? Usually yes—if you plan to keep the car for a few years, the rest of the AC system is healthy, and the total bill is a reasonable share of the vehicle’s value. It’s often not worth it when the car is near end-of-life, the system is contaminated, …
What 4 Brake Pads Cost in 2025 For most cars in 2025, a set of four brake pads (one axle: two wheels) costs about $40–$150 for parts alone, or $150–$350 installed at a shop; premium or performance applications can run $150–$300+ for parts and $300–$800+ installed. If you’re replacing pads on both axles (eight pads …
Are H7 and H11 the same bulb? No. H7 and H11 are different automotive headlight bulb types with distinct bases, connectors, and mounting systems, so they are not interchangeable. Both are single-beam 12V halogen categories often used for low or high beams (and fog lights in the case of H11), but their physical fit, electrical …
Are 9004 and 9005 Bulbs the Same? No. 9004 and 9005 headlight bulbs are different in design, socket, and function, and they are not interchangeable. The 9004 (HB1) is a dual‑filament bulb for combined low/high beams, while the 9005 (HB3) is a single‑filament bulb typically used for high beams only. Mixing them can lead to …
Is It Good to Put a Car Cover on Your Car? Yes—when you choose the right cover and use it properly, a car cover can significantly protect your vehicle from UV damage, contaminants, and minor abrasions. Used incorrectly, though, it can trap moisture, scuff paint, or flap in the wind and cause damage. The decision …