Magnet

Thanks for joining Gareth. It sounds as if you would benefit long term by fitting a set of (waterproof?) seat covers. Kind regards, Gareth.

Why are replying to a 2 month old thread?

No, my real name is as shown on my profile- Gareth. So to return to the questions? Your real name? Your location? Thank you.

There are somethings we need you to answer:- What is your location? What is your real name? Any particular reason for responding to a month old post? Why are you making alarming assumptions about a serious engine problem? Please return to the forum with the answers to the above. Thank you.

Hello Julian, So are you saying you have been using FIT brake pads over 110k miles - as your post suggests? Kind regards, Gareth. p.s. Why the ! after my posting name?

I would now suggest you get this car inspected ASAPat an independent. Kind regards, Gareth.

Many thanks Steve. One thing I would like to add, is to carryout this test only after a 10 mile run to ensure the vehicle is fully up to operating temperatures - particularly the engine oil. I get an assistant to hold the car at a steady 2000 rpm for at least 2 minutes - while the exhaust smoke is observed. Kind regards, Gareth.

Sounds like a nice buy Martyn. Good luck in finding it an appreciative home. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Terry, Before buying any secondhand car, I would:- Check the on-line MOT history. Check the on-line DVLA Vehicle Check. In addition to giving you the registration dates etc. it will also tell you when the last V5 was issued. This may ( just may) be relevant if it’s had a recent change of ownership - possibly suggesting short term ownership. If you are happy with what you have then found, contact an Audi dealer and ask them if they could provide you with a print out of the on-line service history. It’s surprising how often seller-claimed FSH disappears into the ether when proof is asked for! If everything adds up at this point, get the car independently inspected before committing to buy, unless you are totally competent at doing this yourself. Perhaps you could come back to us with your findings ( pre inspection) Terry. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Terry, It seems you are commenting on a response posted about a year ago, and I really don’t think it answers the question of when the goal posts were moved. As I understand it - whenever the dictate changed- it was changed retrospectively, so the date doesn’t really matter. What you do need is a copy of the service history print out for your car - should be available from a dealer, as opposed to the current ( non Audi ?) seller. This will confirm whether the belt assembly was changed in 2021 or not. If it was, fine. If it wasn’t, then you have to read the responses on here and decide whether you are going to abide with the new recommendations ( and the potential pitfalls that go along with that), or stick with the better-safeguard old recommendations. Perhaps you could let us know what decision you come to Terry. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Julian and thanks for joining. Where are you reading about these brake - pads? -? Kind regards, Gareth.

Let’s see how Michael gets on with the other side first Cliff, before we mark this as solved. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Rickie, Please acknowledge the help you have been given, and fill in the extra background detail required so forum members can better advise you. It seems you haven’t returned to the forum since 2 days after you posted. Thanks.

Welcome Barton, Where have you search so far? Kind regards, Gareth.

I’ve now removed the ‘Mark as Solved’, and invite Rickie to give us more detail about the when’s and how’s of this. Kind regards, Gareth.

Check under-seat connections - BUT DO NOT REMOVE THEM. ( apologies for caps). Just get some contact cleaner and give them a god spray and a wiggle. Perhaps you could let us know how you get on Alex. Kind regards, Gareth.

And strain on your insurance premium!

Haven’t tried the wet flatting?

Yes, we know that that is confirmed fact, and that is why the thread was set up. The question to all enquirers - having now read the responses -is:- Are you going to stick with the old recommendation? or Are you going to follow the new recommendation? That’s why we are interested in what decision you have decided to go with - ? Perhaps you could let us know which you are going to go with Alan. Kind regards, Gareth.

Made a decision yet Alan?

Thanks Michael. 2 pointers which may help:- Register your ‘want’ with on-line car breaker link sites such as Partsfinder - there are more. You will obviously need photos before committing to buy. Toothpaste!! Drastic measures are called for - mask around the lights and wet flat the lenses with 800 wet and dry paper, then do the same with 1200. Get ‘rubbing compound’ from your local factors or Halfords and vigorously rub this over the lenses to bring the shine back. Finally polish with car polish. You could try T Cut if you can’t get rubbing compound. Nothing to lose. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Michael, Common problem, so most secondhand can be expected to be similar. Where have you tried so far? Kind regards, Gareth.

I believe so Greg - something like 5 degrees. I do understand your frustration if that is so. Our non-Audi does the same, and you do need to clear them of mist. The 2006 A3 appears to demise them at any temperature, but latest one - probably not, but I could be wrong. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Alan and thanks for joining. Thoughts? Fortunately, all the ‘thoughts’ are there in the posts against this thread, and once read, you should be sufficiently armed to make a decision that suits you. This forum should be a bit like your insurance company - it provides the information which allows you to make your choice, but it does not recommend. I know what decision I’ve come to and I’ll adhere to that. Perhaps you could let us know what you decide Alan. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Anthony and thanks for joining. Without being dismissive of your problem, if you can’t (easily) get under the car to do the preparation, then the only option is to get someone to do it for you. I would start to ask for local recommendations at established valeters. These people will generally know who to go to. In case it helps, I’ve had good reports about an underbody treatment called Lanoguard. Let us know how you get on Anthony. Kind regards, Gareth.