Audi Q8 Service: What We Check and Replace

In the photo, you can see an Audi Q8 outside our workshop, just before its major service. When it comes to an Audi Q8 service, changing the oil and filters is only part of the job. You've got loads of electronics, driver assistance systems, air suspension and a mild hybrid system to think about. I want to show you exactly what we check and service so you can enjoy your car without worrying about it.

What do we check and replace on the engine?

We change the engine oil and oil filter, using oil that meets the exact specification for your engine. For cars driven in Bulgaria, I recommend changing both every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of the oil used.
We replace the air filter and cabin filters.
We carefully check for leaks and inspect the hoses.
We run engine diagnostics and, on diesel models, check the AdBlue system too.

How do we look after the gearbox and drivetrain?

The Q8 has an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. We check the gearbox with diagnostics and change its oil. Please don't skip this. Your Q8 is a heavy, powerful car, and that gearbox has plenty of work to do. After changing the oil, we always carry out a gearbox adaptation to make sure everything works as it should.

What do we check on the suspension and brakes?

Air suspension — we check the air springs, compressor and ride height.
Suspension arms and bushes — we make sure everything is in good condition.
Brake pads and discs — we check how much life they've got left.
Brake fluid — we change it every two years.

Driver assistance system calibration at Das Auto Service

What do we check on the electronics?

We scan every control module for faults and check for software updates.
We check the 48-volt battery and starter-generator.
We check that the driver assistance systems, cameras and radars are working properly.
We check the 12-volt battery. With this much electronics on board, a weak battery can cause you all sorts of headaches.

Don't skip calibrating your Q8's driver assistance systems after a windscreen replacement, front-end repair or wheel alignment. If they're not set up correctly, they could react in the wrong way at the very moment you need them most.

Why don't I want you putting off a major service?

On a Q8, a small problem can easily turn into a big repair bill. If an air spring starts leaking, the compressor has to work harder. If the battery gets weak, fault warnings can pop up across all sorts of control modules. That's why I'd much rather we check everything in good time than wait for a little problem to turn into something that costs you a fortune.

A tip from Kris Mladenov: If your Q8 sits unused for several days at a time, connect a battery maintenance charger. This car is sensitive to a weak battery.

If your Q8 is coming up for a service, bring it over to Das Auto Service. We'll give it a thorough check and explain exactly what it needs.