Every vehicle needs maintenance from time to time in order to keep up peak performance and last longer. This is especially true of a luxury vehicle such as your Audi. If you want to experience its full range of power for as long as possible, never skip out on maintenance. One of the most important parts, the ignition system, should be kept in tip-top shape. We will go over what an ignition system is, why it’s important, and how to know when it’s time to give your ignition system a little TLC.
What an Ignition System Is/What It Does
Your Audi’s ignition system is a series of parts put together in your combustion engine. These parts work together to generate a spark or heat an electrode in order to ignite the air-fuel mixture and start your engine.
These are the parts generally found in ignition systems:
- Battery
- Distributor cap and rotor
- Spark plug wires
- Spark plugs
- Ignition coils
- Ignition module
- Powertrain control module
- Knock sensor
- Crankshaft and camshaft sensors
Why Ignition Systems are Important
Simply put, you would not be going anywhere without the ignition system functioning. If it does not work, your engine will not start and you’ll be stranded. That makes the ignition system one of the most important parts of your vehicle to keep in good shape.
Maintenance Schedules for an Ignition System
It is generally recommended that you have your ignition system’s various parts closely inspected and repaired at least once per year. For certain parts of the ignition system, there is a specific schedule to abide by for replacements and repairs:
- Battery: replace every 3 to 5 years
- Spark plugs: replace every 35,000 miles or every 3 years
Signs that Your Ignition System is Malfunctioning
If you notice anything strange going on with the performance of your Audi, you should have it taken into a professional shop for repairs. It may be that your ignition system is malfunctioning. Here are a few warning signs that may indicate an ignition system malfunction:
- The engine is idling roughly when you start the vehicle.
- You hear spitting or sputtering noises while accelerating.
- The engine stalls while driving.
- You have difficulty starting the vehicle.
- The engine won’t start at all.
Some of these could be signs of other problems, but do not rule out issues with the ignition system until you have a qualified mechanic inspect and diagnose it.
Tips for the Maintenance of the Ignition System
If you follow these tips and remember to maintain your ignition system as often as possible, you will not likely have to worry about serious issues. If the ignition system begins to malfunction, you will be more likely to catch it early, leading to an easier and often less expensive fix.
- Have the system inspected and maintained regularly. Do it according to the schedule provided, and have it done by someone with sufficient knowledge of foreign auto parts.
- Keep individual parts of the ignition system maintained and replaced when needed. Things like the battery, spark plugs, and sensors will need replacing or repairing in order to keep your Audi running smoothly (or running at all).
- Keep the rest of your vehicle finely tuned and running properly. When one part fails and the problem is ignored or neglected, a domino effect can take place. Eventually, the core parts of your Audi will fail if you do not pay attention.
Where to Go to Have the Ignition System of an Audi Serviced
Because your Audi is of foreign make and model, you need qualified mechanics and technicians working on your vehicle instead of any regular shop employee. Shops mostly dealing in domestic parts and services may not know how to fix your issues the first time. As a result, you will be out of a lot more money and time than you would be otherwise, and it can cause a lot of frustration.
If you want to save yourself time and trouble, bring your Audi to World Class Auto Repairs. Our technicians have extensive knowledge of European vehicles, so you can rest assured that we can handle almost anything you throw at us! We specialize in dealing with brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, and many more.
We are located in Boca Raton, FL. Stop by today and give us a chance to show you all that we can do!