Audi A3 Touch Up Paint (146 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

Audi has recorded a staggering 106 colors for the A3, ranging from the classic "I have a board meeting at four" Manhattan Gray Metallic to the "I definitely don't work in an office" Pulse Orange and Vegas Yellow. They really went for it with the palette, offering everything from the sophisticated Venetian Violet Pearl to the cult-favorite Nardo Gray. Whether your A3 is dressed in a subtle Melange Beige or a striking Scuba Blue, Audi's paint designers clearly didn't want you to feel limited.

What to Watch For

Before you start, you need your "DNA sequence"-the paint code. On an A3, you won't find this on the door jamb. Instead, grab a flashlight and head to the trunk. Lift the carpet and look in the spare tire well; you're looking for a white paper sticker with a four-character code (like LY9B or LZ7W). If it's not there, check the inside cover of your service maintenance booklet.

In terms of wear, the A3 is a bit of a "chip magnet" on the hood and front bumper, where the road likes to say hello at high speeds. You might also notice the clear coat starting to get shy and peel around the side mirrors or plastic window trims-these areas take a beating from the sun and car wash chemicals, but they are perfectly manageable with a little focus.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since so many Audi colors (like Glacier White or Phantom Black) use pearl or metallic effects, your secret weapon is the "Minute Shake." Shake that touch-up bottle for a full 60 seconds to wake up the heavy metallic flakes that settle at the bottom; otherwise, your repair will look "flat" compared to the rest of the car.

When filling those common stone chips on the hood, don't try to fill the hole in one go. If you drop a giant blob of paint in there, it'll dry like a tiny mountain. Instead, apply a very thin layer, let it dry for 20 minutes, and add another. Achieving a flush finish requires patience, but building it up layer by layer is the best way to make those highway battle scars disappear.