Issues Due to a Clogged Plenum Tray in Audi
It’s not always easy keeping up with all the maintenance tasks associated with driving a luxury import vehicle such as an Audi; however, in order to experience your car at the performance level it was intended, such maintenance tasks are critical. Maintenance procedures range in cost, difficulty, and frequency, which make some procedures easier to put off than others. One task that you shouldn’t put off in your Audi is caring for the plenum tray located beneath the windshield in your car.
If you have no clue what a plenum chamber is, then you’re in luck—this article will briefly go over the common problems in Audi vehicles associated with a clogged plenum tray, including what models encounter the issue the most, and some of the consequences of not addressing the issue. The most important thing we’ll talk about is how to prevent a clogged plenum tray in your own Audi.
What is the Plenum Tray in Your Audi?
Your Audi is designed to be able to withstand various weather patterns, including heavy rains or exposure to excessive moisture. The plenum tray is a part under the hood toward the cabin with the main function of draining the water and moisture your car can collect. The intricate system of drainage components, including different valves, hoses, and filters, is ripe with areas for potential failure and, unfortunately, many Audi drivers tend to encounter a clogged plenum tray at one point or another.
Common Occurrences
The most common Audi model that deals with clogged plenum trays is the Audi A4 Quattro, across decades of engineering and design—that means that even if you drive an older Audi A4, you’re even more susceptible to plenum tray clogs. Since this issue is common in specific Audi vehicles over others, it’s best to bring your car to an Audi specialist who will be able to accurately diagnose, assess, prevent, and treat any problems.
Other Potential Issues
A clogged plenum chamber is known to lead to other significant performance issues in Audi vehicles, and therefore must not go overlooked in common maintenance procedures. Some of the most commonly associated problems include:
Brake problems
Water leaking into brake components can lead to premature wear of the parts, including corrosion and rust. This can lead to expensive brake repair procedures that otherwise might not have been necessary until much later in the car’s life.
Electrical issues
As we all know, electrical components and water don’t mix well. When water comes into contact with electrical parts, it can cause wiring to short out and electrical currents to seize communication with terminals. This is problematic, as it can lead to HVAC issues as well as other concerning problems in your Audi’s performance.
Interior damage
One thing that Audi drivers especially pride themselves on is the luxury and comfort of the interior cabin. When the plenum drain becomes clogged, it is common for drivers to notice water seeping into the cabin, especially beneath where the HVAC blower is located. This can create mold and mildew growth inside the cabin or even extensive water damage, requiring significant repair work to fix the issue.
How to Prevent Plenum Tray Issues
The best way to prevent your Audi’s plenum trays from clogging is to continually perform inspections and maintenance. If you’re not comfortable assessing your car’s draining on your own, it is imperative that you bring your Audi to an Audi specialist to ensure the best quality of care. Keeping the plenum tray free of debris such as leaves and dirt is a good way to ensure optimal drainage at all times, especially during the autumn season when leaves fall more rapidly in greater volumes.
How We Can Help Improve Your Audi’s Performance
The Audi experts here at Orion Automotive Services help make us the leading dealership alternative in Ann Arbor, MI, for such European imports. We take pride in our honesty, integrity, and excellent customer service, all of which have contributed to our standout reputation in the community; however, our level of skill, expertise, and knowledge make us the most qualified shop in Ann Arbor to work with such sophisticated automobiles. If you think you’re experiencing drainage problems in your Audi, the problem could be related to a clogged plenum tray. Please contact one of our helpful staff members to schedule an inspection right away, as the continued quality of your Audi’s performance depends on immediate, professional attention.
* Audi Logo image credit goes to: vesilvio.
* Black Audi Q5 S-Line image credit goes to: NikWaller.
