What is Covered Under the “Audi Care” Maintenance Plan?

When buying a new Audi, you might notice the salesperson trying to get you into adding a pre-paid maintenance plan to your purchase. This plan is called Audi Care, and on paper, it seems to cover all your worries about the maintenance cost of your luxury vehicle down the line. But is it, though?

If you’re on the verge of buying Audi’s maintenance plan but still feeling the dilemma, there is no need to worry; we’ll cover everything you need to know about Audi Care. We’ll discuss the costs, coverage, and whether it’s worth it or not. However, it’s always a good idea to first refer to your Audi owner’s manual and learn about the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle and find out how Audi Care could benefit you.

But, without further ado, let’s dive in.

What is Audi Care?

Audi Care is a pre-paid maintenance plan allowing you to (technically) allow you to set a fixed cost for your Audi services. The idea is pretty straightforward; you purchase the plan for your vehicle, and Audi will take care of its next few scheduled maintenances at no additional cost, provided you get said services from your local authorized Audi dealer. Also, you can pay the premium plan in full at your dealer or finance it with your car purchase, significantly simplifying the process.

According to the manufacturer, Audi Care’s benefits include savings on maintenance costs and protection against potential inflation, scheduled maintenance suited to your car’s mileage/ownership period, and guarantees on your vehicle being handled by Audi’s factory-trained mechanics using Audi’s specialized tools and genuine parts.

What Does Audi Care Cover?

Audi Care plans lets you pay in advance for the few following scheduled services that Audi recommends every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first. While the maintenance plan may not cover significant damage repairs, nor any maintenance performed by private/aftermarket service shops, Audi Care still includes services needed to ensure your Audi runs as good as new, such as:

  • Changing the engine oil and topping off other fluids like coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid if needed.
  • Changing parts needed to be replaced periodically, such as the oil filter, cabin filter, belts and tensioners, spark plugs, and wiper blades.
  • Visual inspections on major components prone to leaks, like the transmission system, brake system, exhaust system, and everything in the engine compartment.
  • Re-adjustment and damage checks at the front and rear axle, drive shaft boots, cooling system, brakes, and tires.
  • Function checks on electrical components like the battery, exterior and interior lighting, instrument cluster, sunroof, horn, rollover protection systems for cabriolets, and charging sockets for EV models.
  • Conducting a road test to ensure the engine, transmission, steering components, braking system, etc., function normally.
  • Resetting the service reminder indicator for the next scheduled maintenance.

However, it’s important to mention that these are basic services you can very well nail yourself with the help of an Audi service manual. Not to mention, these Audi manuals can also guide you in troubleshooting and replacing worn-out parts (not so sure where to find one? Head over to eManualOnline). 

Yet, the real value of Audi Care lies in the peace of mind you get from having these services performed according to Audi’s high standards — in an authorized service facility, using certified parts, and conducted by trained professionals.

How Much Does Audi Care Cost?

Audi Care packages are available for 2010 and newer models. Although the cost of each plan may differ depending on the exact model and mileage, you’ll still get the same benefits and coverages nonetheless.

In the following sections, I’ve laid out the Audi Care packages’ terms and pricing for each model. These are the prices Audi primarily sets, but note that your local dealer may still decide the final cost of these plans. Additionally, the plan you purchase will stay with its assigned vehicle for the duration of the contract without being refundable or transferable (except if you live in California).

For more details on the specific pricing based on your specific model and mileage, have a look here:

  • 2010-2016 models
  • 2017-2019 models
  • 2020+ models

The plans offering the best bang for your bucks are the Audi Care 10k, 20k, 30k & 40k Package for 2020+ models and Audi Care 20k, 30k, 40k & 50k Package for 2017-2019 models.

According to CarEdge, Audi models have an average repair and maintenance cost of $3,470 during their first five years of service. Following the recommended service schedule, an Audi should’ve undergone at least four engine oil and oil filter replacements, two brake fluid changes, one cabin filter replacement, one spark plugs replacement, one brake pads replacement, and several multipoint inspections during that lifespan — all of which are covered by the Audi Care plan. Thus, considering those packages cost around $999-1,799, you can potentially save between 48%-71% in maintenance for your Audi (given your vehicle hasn’t undergone its 10,000-mile/20,000-mile service).

However, if you have an older or higher-mileage Audi model and are seeking to buy this plan, you can be more thoughtful about when to make the purchase. For instance, you can look into your model’s Audi factory service manual and learn about the services you’ll need for its next scheduled maintenance. If you find out you’ll need to pay more than Audi Care premium to replace whatever’s covered in the pre-paid maintenance plan, that’s your green light.

The Verdict – Is Audi Care Worth It?

In short, yes.

Sure, there are many ways you can save on your Audi’s maintenance, even if you still want to purchase those services separately. But Audi Care plans give you the privilege of not having to worry about your Audi’s relatively high service costs for the next few years/miles, a valid reason to justify buying this plan. Moreover, your vehicle will be scheduled for regular services, and it’ll be treated well by Audi professionals, using only parts that meet Audi’s standards — you’re getting the best of the best here.

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