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2016 Audi A4 — surface rust underneath a winter daily

RoadTripScout979Community StarterJan 7, 20262016 Audi A4 PremiumLas Vegas
2016 Audi A4 Premium, about 146,000 miles. There is early surface rust on brackets, fasteners and seams underneath, but nothing structural. For a salt-belt car, what treatment slows it down without creating a hard coating that traps moisture? I would rather test this logically than replace parts.
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2 replies

LongMilesMechanicish836Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 7, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2016 Audi A4 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
LongMilesMechanicish836Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 7, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2016 Audi A4, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
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