Hi everyone.

I'm looking for some help on behalf of my sister.  She has a 2014 Audi TT Black Edition that is currently sitting in Audi Birmingham having been transferred there on the back of a breakdown truck.  She was on her way to work when she smelled a burning smell and saw steam/smoke coming from under the bonnet.  Naturally, she pulled over.  Green Flag came and said they thought there was a coolant leak as there was something bubbling from part of the engine and when they put it on the truck there was liquid running down the truck bed.

Audi Birmingham have said there was a plastic bag stuck to the exhaust which they have scraped off as best they can.  They said the liquid running from under the car was condensation and there was nothing wrong with the car other than needing new rear brake discs and pads - for £600.

I wonder if the problem is a coolant pump failure but I'm not a mechanic or have any knowledge of such things.

Can anyone recommend a trustworthy independent specialist in/around the Birmingham/Solihull area as we may want a second opinion on the issue.

 

Many thanks, in advance, for any help you can provide.

Regards,

Adam

BMW driver - please don't hate me :)

It's true that water will dribble below the car if the air condioning is running. It's condensate and perfectly normal. What seems to be in doubt here is whether the liquid is coolant or condensate. If the coolant level has not dropped in the reservoir than it's likely to be condensate.

If you want to have it professionally checked search for independant VAG specialists in your area. We usually recommend independants over franchised dealers for several reasons.

Thanks for the reply Cliff.

The Green Flag guys (2 of them) both seemed to think it was coolant on the engine.  I told her that condensation under a car is normal if the air con compressor has been running.

My sister collects the car tomorrow so I was going to have a look at the coolant level to see what it looks like.

My Dad and I have found a couple of possible local independent VAG specialists but I just wondered if anyone had any experience of who might be trustworthy.  It's not the first time she's had problems with Audi Birmingham.