Audi Care is a prepaid scheduled maintenance program covering routine services like oil changes, tire rotations.
You just rolled off the lot in a new Audi. The finance manager slides a brochure across the desk and says, “Audi Care.” Most people instinctively steer away, hearing “extended warranty” and smelling an upsell.
Audi Care is actually a prepaid scheduled maintenance program. You pay a flat fee upfront, and it covers specific routine services over a set period or mileage window. This guide breaks down exactly what is included in Audi Care, how the recent Signature Care program changes things for 2026 models, and whether the math works for your ownership timeline.
Standard Services Included in Audi Care
The core of Audi Care covers everything listed in the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. This typically includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, brake fluid flushes, and replacement of the cabin and engine air filters at the correct intervals.
Audi-trained technicians perform the work using genuine Audi parts rather than aftermarket alternatives. This is a critical detail for anyone hoping to maintain a pristine service history that aligns with factory specifications. Using genuine parts directly supports the integrity of the vehicle’s systems.
For most drivers, these services are spaced roughly 10,000 miles apart. A standard Audi Care package often covers the 20,000-mile, 30,000-mile, and 40,000-mile visits, but the exact schedule depends on your specific model and driving conditions.
The Different Audi Care Plans
One of the most common mistakes is thinking there is only one Audi Care plan. The program has evolved significantly, and knowing which one applies to your car is the first step toward real value.
- Audi Care (Standard): The classic prepaid plan available for most model years. You select a mileage interval bundle, pay upfront, and lock in the current labor and parts rates. It protects against inflation and is available for both new and pre-owned vehicles.
- Audi Signature Care: A new benefit introduced for Model Year 2026 vehicles. This is included at no extra cost with the purchase or lease of a qualifying 2026 Audi. It covers scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Audi Care Select: An optional extension package designed for owners who plan to keep their vehicle longer. It adds coverage for higher-mileage intervals beyond the standard plan, effectively customizing the coverage window to match your ownership timeline.
- Audi connect CARE: A digital subscription layer that bundles emergency call capability, vehicle status reports, and charging status checks for e-tron models. This is more about connectivity and remote diagnostics than physical service.
Understanding which plan applies to your vehicle depends heavily on the model year. A 2025 Audi owner will use the Standard plan, while a 2026 buyer gets Signature Care bundled into the deal.
Is Audi Care Worth The Upfront Cost?
The value equation depends on how long you keep the car and your preference for lump-sum payments versus pay-as-you-go service. For a 2026 vehicle, Signature Care is included, so the math is simple. For older models, the decision requires a closer look at the numbers.
The price varies significantly by model and interval. For example, an Audi Q5 prepaid maintenance plan covering 40,000 miles or four years retails around $1,499. Compare that to paying for three separate dealer service appointments, and the prepaid option typically provides measurable savings.
Audi’s official prepaid scheduled maintenance program brochure lists the specific operations covered at each interval. It is a reliable reference for checking exactly what your vehicle needs before you commit to a plan.
| Feature | Standard Audi Care | Audi Signature Care | Audi Care Select |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | All model years | Model Year 2026 only | 2026 models and newer |
| Coverage Duration | Up to 4 years / 50k miles | 3 years / 30k miles | Extends beyond 50k miles |
| Upfront Cost | Variable (e.g., $1,499 for Q5) | Included with purchase | Variable, generally lower than standard |
| Key Benefit | Locks in current pricing | Zero additional expense at delivery | Long-term coverage extension |
| Transferability | Transferable to new owner | Transferable | Transferable |
The resale value benefit is often overlooked. A vehicle with a complete Audi Care service history has verifiable maintenance records, which can help command a higher price on the used market compared to one with gaps in its service log.
How To Purchase And Maximize Audi Care
You have more than one opportunity to add Audi Care to your vehicle, which makes it a flexible purchase that doesn’t require a rushed decision at the delivery desk.
- Finance It at Delivery: The easiest method is to add the cost to your loan or lease at the time of purchase. Many dealers can roll it into the monthly payment, spreading the cost out rather than requiring a lump sum.
- Add It Later: You don’t have to buy it immediately. Audi Care can be purchased from any authorized dealer at any point before your first prepaid service interval is due. This gives you time to research the pricing for your specific model.
- Track Service via myAudi: The myAudi app allows you to view your vehicle’s specific maintenance schedule based on its mileage. You can see what services are coming due and get a preview of future needs, helping you time your prepaid purchase correctly.
- Ask About Select at Expiration: If your Standard plan or Signature Care is nearing its mileage limit, ask the dealer about Audi Care Select rates for extending coverage rather than paying for individual services.
This flexibility means you can align the purchase with your budget and ownership timeline rather than being forced into a single decision point.
What Audi Care Does Not Cover
A common source of confusion is treating maintenance coverage like a repair warranty. Audi Care covers routine scheduled service, not unexpected breakdowns or component failures. It is not an insurance policy.
An authorized dealer resource that covers the basics and essentials of the program emphasizes that genuine parts are used for every covered service. However, wear items such as tires, brake pads, and windshield wiper blades are generally not included in the prepaid intervals.
Audi Care also excludes repairs related to accidents, neglect, or normal wear of non-maintenance components. The factory warranty handles defects, while Audi Care handles the predictable upkeep spelled out in the owner’s manual.
| Aspect of Ownership | Audi Care | Factory Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Changes | Covered at scheduled intervals | Not covered |
| Brake Pad Replacement | Typically not covered | Not covered (wear item) |
| Mechanical Breakdowns | Not covered | Covered within warranty terms |
| Cost Structure | Prepaid upfront or financed | Included in vehicle purchase price |
The Bottom Line
Audi Care simplifies ownership by packaging predictable routine maintenance into a single cost. It guarantees genuine parts and certified labor, ensures compliance with the factory schedule, and can help preserve the vehicle’s long-term value. For anyone planning to keep their Audi for several years, the inflation protection alone makes the math worth studying.
To get a precise breakdown of coverage for your specific vehicle, enter your VIN into the official Audi Care portal or ask your dealership’s service department for the exact interval checklist matched to your model year and trim level.
References & Sources
- Audi. “Audi Care Brochure” Audi Care is a prepaid scheduled maintenance program that provides convenience, value, and peace of mind by covering routine service costs in advance.
- Audikansascity. “Bc Audi Care Explained Plans Pricing Whats Covered” Audi Care covers the basics and essentials for maintenance and routine service, including oil changes, fluid checks, and tire rotations.