Audi Repair: 2001 A4 fluid leak, coolant tank, water coolant

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

My 2001 A4 has a fluid leak from underneath the right-side of the back seats. It is kind of watery but a little thicker like oil and has no noticeable smell. I am not sure if it has a color. The fluid drips little by little so that there are some wet spots on a driveway. Do you have any idea what this could be and how serious it might be? I am planning to take the car to an Audi dealer though I am afraid that they might try to overcharge me as I know little to nothing about a car. Your input is very much appreciated. Thank you.

MAYA

ANSWER: There is not much there.  usually you will find that when driving, if something leaks under the hood, the airflow under the car can cause fluids to be dispersed under the car, where it may collect and leak down from a different spot than where it originated.  The key is to identify if it is water, coolant, washer fluid, oil, brake fluid, gasoline or battery acid.  Look underneath the car if you can spot the source.  Before going to an audi dealer, it may be cheaper to go to your local mechanic to get a quick diagnosis.  Let me know,  Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for the reply. I checked my car again and the wet spots were still there under the car after leaving it parked for a couple of days. So the leak is not water for sure. I saw yellowish stains on the parking where the car battery is located above the asphalt. Do you think the leak could be battery acid? With the help of Audi manual, I was able to confirm how much liquid is still in coolant, washer fluid, oil, brake fluid, and gasoline though I could not find where the battery acid was.

Another question, as for the coolant tank, it had "Max" and "Min" signs on the tank and the liquid was a little below "Min." That means I need to refill it to a little below "Max," correct?

Thanks again in advance.

P.S. As you suggested, I will contact a local mechanic next week.

ANSWER: A battery acid leak is uncommon, and the stain would have a powdery look to it after a few days since acid is very reactive.  If your coolant level is below min, then you are correct, it should be filled when cold to inbetween the min and max marks, but ensure you have the correct coolant, you can not use normal antifreeze.  If it is only a small amount under, it will not hurt driving it until you take it to the dealer next week and let them fill it to the correct level.  Let me know what the delaer suggestes for the fluid; I'm curious.  Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Jan,

I skipped going to a local mechanic and finally took my car to an Audi directly. According to them, the major leak was from a water pump and oil was started leaking as well. They suggested me to have them change a water pump, tensioner, beltdampe and coolant flush, valve cover gasket and com adjuster gasket immediately otherwise the car would have more problems than it already had. Also they suggested having fuel inj service done urgently.

Well, as I had no idea what they were, I just had to take their suggestions to have them fix everything. That cost me about 2k. The last year when I went there for an oil change, they found other problems and fixed them. That cost me about 1k. It seems like my car is falling a part although it is only 7 years old with only 56000 miles on. Is it common to start having this many problems around this time?

Thank you!

MAYA

Answer
If the dealer performed all of the repairs indicated: Timing belt, water pump, oil tensioners etc. the total bill is high at $2k but OK some dealers charge that.  What other problems did they find?  Were they related to the previous repair?  It is unusual to get many repairs on Audi vehicles, but the price of servicing these cars has increased over the years.  It may be time to find a reliable local import specialist; they are out there, and will save you significant sums of money over dealer prices.  Good luck,  Jan