Warning, not my usual whiny “I hate the world and the world hates me” type post common recently.
So, my car tells me last week that the oil is low. Not just low. It’s “At the minimum level”. I must top-up.
I found this hard to believe, it’s only done 5000 miles since new. Regardless, I check the oil level, of course.
I find it to be at the maximum. At least that’s what I convinced myself. I am still convinced I saw it at the maximum on the dipstick. I’m convinced, and yet I am pretty sure I simply have to have been wrong. This particular dipstick was mistaken.
In my defence, the fact that I did not top-up and the message disappeared for another day and 60 miles before reappearing (it was on for a full day’s long drive the first time) lends some credence to my opinion at the time that it must be a faulty sensor.
So, I call my Audi dealer on Monday and they ask me when I can bring it in, they’ll need it for an hour to do diagnostics. I’m leaving work early on the wednesday anyway and the garage is on the way to my destination so I suggest wednesday at 3pm. “Yes, no problem, see you then.”
First gold star then. They are willing to look without question and have a slot within 48 hours exactly when I want it. Coincidence, sure, but it all counts.
So I pitch up on time and the service rep is out within 2 minutes to gather a “history”. Takes the keys, offers me coffee etc. which I decline and go for a walk for an hour.
55 minutes later when I”m just a minute from getting back they call me to say the car’s ready, all sorted.
They let it cool down, checked the oil and found it was at it’s minimum so topped it up. Ok, now I’m embarrassed but even so I have to wonder when did a new car need oil between services? He explains it happens occasionally before the first service. Not so much “running in” these days but “bedding in”. Ok, this sounds plausible. Now, I’m expecting to be hit with a bill for oil and maybe some labour.
“How much do I owe you?” I ask.
“Nothing”.
“Great!”. No charge for the oil. No charge for looking at it AND they stuck a litre in the boot “just in case” I need more before the first service.
Full marks all round Audi. Actually, Northfield Audi of Tetbury, Gloucestershire. I’m a little worried that with service like this I made have paid too much for the car. You just get what you pay for then? Perhaps. I’m happy though.