Audi A3 possible problem

westies4ever

I have a 2006 Audi A3 sportback, 1.6 petrol. I've had it from new, serviced every year etc and until recently hasnt given me any problem.

Its started using coolant - Im having to top it up every 2-3 weeks but its not overheating. This morning when I drove into work and was parking, a colleague remarked that it was making a kind of rasping noise.

It also seems a bit underpowered in the mornings. Other than this it is driving ok and starts etc with no issue. It does do a lot of short journeys which I know isnt ideal for any car.

I dont have a lot of money, given its january etc but would like to get it sorted before it turns into a big problem.

Anyone any ideas what could be wrong?

George Dalton

The most common cause of a coolant leak is the water pump. Has the timing belt and water pump ever been changed on the car?

GavMan

Could be any number of things really. Thermostat could be an issue. Fan or Radiator could be an issue. Could be the water pump. Could be simply a leak.

Your best bet is to bring it to a competent independent VAG specialist and get it diagnosed.

What I would say is that is probably best not to be driving it at all if there is a danger of it over heating...

westies4ever

George Dalton wrote: »

The most common cause of a coolant leak is the water pump. Has the timing belt and water pump ever been changed on the car?

timing belt has been changed (cant remember what mileage but its not due yet), dont think water pump has.

westies4ever

GavMan wrote: »

Could be any number of things really. Thermostat could be an issue. Fan or Radiator could be an issue. Could be the water pump. Could be simply a leak.

Your best bet is to bring it to a competent independent VAG specialist and get it diagnosed.

What I would say is that is probably best not to be driving it at all if there is a danger of it over heating...

Thanks, will do that. Worst case scenario, if any or all of the above are issues, any idea what sort of money I'm looking at?

GavMan

westies4ever wrote: »

Thanks, will do that. Worst case scenario, if any or all of the above are issues, any idea what sort of money I'm looking at?

Well, what I mean is that if you bring it somewhere, they can tell you whats wrong and if it needs immediate attention and what not.

If you can't afford what they quote, at least it'll only cost you the price of an inspection.

Then once you know whats wrong, you can ring around places for better quotes.

I've no idea what it could be since it could be a multitude of any or all of the above. Seems odd that the belt would be changed but not the water pump...

westies4ever

GavMan wrote: »

Well, what I mean is that if you bring it somewhere, they can tell you whats wrong and if it needs immediate attention and what not.

If you can't afford what they quote, at least it'll only cost you the price of an inspection.

Then once you know whats wrong, you can ring around places for better quotes.

I've no idea what it could be since it could be a multitude of any or all of the above. Seems odd that the belt would be changed but not the water pump...

tbh the pump could've been - im a stereotypical woman when it comes to cars - as long as its going i dont pay huge attention. i'll pull out the service etc history and have a look. it was last serviced in Aug'12 by a guy who used to work in a VAG garage. He was sound and didnt stick the arm in so hes my first call. Just spent over €2k on repairs to husbands jeep so couldnt come at a worse time - murphys law i suppose.

thanks for the advice, appreciate it!

Nissan doctor

Whatever the problem, I'd make it your priority to have the problem diagnosed as soon as possible as seemingly harmless coolant leak can turn into a very expensive repair very quickly.

spiggotpaddy

I'm in port, if you want me to have a look. FOC.

westies4ever

Really? I'd appreciate that - ill pm you.