Steps to Reset the Audi Q3 Service Interval Light
Put the ignition into the RUN position (Press the start button twice without your foot on the brake).
Select the CAR button.
Use the SCROLL WHEEL to select SERVICING & CHECKS.
Select SERVICE INTERVAL DISPLAY.
Scroll down when prompted with “Next Oil Change Due”.
Select RESET OIL CHANGE INTERVAL.
A prompt will appear reading “Are you sure you want to reset the oil change interval?”
Select YES.
A prompt will appear “The oil change interval has been reset”.
The Audi Q3 Service Required Maintenance reminder should only be reset after changing the oil and oil filter on the car.
Why It's Important to Reset the Audi Q3 Maintenance Light
Resetting the service interval light on your Audi Q3 is crucial for monitoring when oil changes are needed and assessing the engine’s oil status, including the distance to the next scheduled service. Additionally, maintaining an individual log for each oil change and service by gathering all pertinent service records is recommended. – Do this by keeping a folder with all service records. This practice not only ensures optimal maintenance of your Audi but also serves as proof of consistent care, beneficial if you decide to sell the car later on.
Audi Q3 Oil Type and Quantity
The 2011-2018 Audi Q3 requires 4.8 Quarts of 5W-20 Synthetic oil.
How Often Should You Change the Oil on Your Audi Q3?
It’s advisable to change the oil in your Audi Q3 every 3,000 miles. Though some professionals, service centers, and dealerships might suggest longer intervals between oil changes, adhering to a 3,000-mile oil change frequency is crucial. Regularly maintaining this schedule is essential for maintaining the engine performance of your Audi Q3 and avoiding various potential issues.
What to Do If the Audi Service Reset Procedure Does Not Work?
Should you face difficulties in resetting the service interval of your Audi Q3, try the process again. Turn off the ignition and the engine and then restart the reset procedure. Ensure that the hood and all doors are securely closed before initiating the process.
Why is the Service Interval Light Still On After An Oil Change?
Once you’ve finished an oil change in your Audi Q3, remember to reset the service intervals and maintenance reminders. Merely changing the oil and the filter doesn’t automatically deactivate the maintenance indicator. If the Audi service reminder stays on after changing the oil, it typically indicates that the person who changed the oil forgot to reset it.
Steps to Reset the Vehicle Inspection Reminder
The Audi Inspection Due reminder has to be reset using an OBD diagnostic scan tool. To do so, plug an OBD scan tool into the Audi Q3 OBD2 port under the steering wheel and select service interval resets, then select Reset Inspection Service Interval.
General Audi Q3 Maintenance Tips
Check Tire Pressure and Tire Tread
Find the suggested tire pressure for your Audi Q3 by checking the white or yellow label on the door panel, visible when you open the driver’s side door. Inflate the tires when they are cold to avoid overinflation, which means either waiting three hours after the vehicle has last been driven or inflating the tires before driving. To assess the tread wear on each tire, you can use the penny test or a tread depth gauge.
Rotate Your Tires
We recommend rotating the Audi Q3 tires every other oil change, (if you are changing your oil at our recommended 3,000 mile interval) or every 6,000 miles.
Check the Coolant Level
Inspect the coolant level to confirm it falls within the appropriate range in the coolant reservoir, which is above the minimum mark and below the maximum mark. Using a flashlight might help you see more clearly inside the coolant container. Given that the coolant system is sealed, a notably low coolant level may indicate a leak. Perform a pressure test on the system to identify any potential leaks.
Check the Brake Pads and Rotors
Examine the thickness of the brake pads on both the front and rear brakes of your Audi Q3, ensuring they retain sufficient material. Use a brake pad measuring tool for precise thickness evaluation. Also, check the rotors for signs of rust or irregularities. If your Audi Q3 is raised on a jack or lift, manually turn each wheel (with the parking brake off) to ensure they rotate freely. Any sign of resistance on a wheel could signal a problem with the brake caliper or stuck slider pins within the caliper.
Check Brake Fluid Reservoir
Keeping the brake fluid reservoir consistently full is crucial. A notably low level of brake fluid typically suggests there’s a leak in the system. If low, inspect the brake calipers and lines for any signs of leaking.
Check Washer Fluid Level
Top up your washer fluid reservoir. In the winter months, opt for a washer fluid that contains antifreeze to prevent it from freezing in the container.
Check the Engine and Cabin Air Filters
Access the air filter box in your Audi Q3 and remove the air filter. Clean it with a vacuum, compressed air, or by shaking off dirt and debris if it appears dirty. Replace it with a new one if it’s excessively dirty. If it’s clean, simply reinsert it. Remember, there’s also a cabin air filter behind the glove box, which cleans the air inside the cabin. Check this filter and replace it if it’s dirty or has not been changed previously.
Benefits of Regular Oil Changes
With a decade of experience as an automotive technician in both dealerships and private garages, I have noticed that vehicles that skip or miss regular maintenance are more prone to frequent and severe issues. Even though some car makers recommend oil change intervals of 5,000 to 20,000 miles, my professional advice for the Audi Q3 is to change the oil every 3,000 miles regardless of Audi’s own recommendations. This practice is key to maintaining the vehicle’s peak performance and durability. Frequent oil changes can reduce engine wear, potentially enhancing fuel efficiency by up to 2%. It also helps the engine to run cleaner, which is vital for avoiding the accumulation of damaging deposits that can shorten the engine’s life.