Re: Breaking in my A4Q

[dan_masi@MENTORG.COM (Dan Masi)]

On Sep 29,  9:46pm, Achille Riviello wrote:

> 1)  The general consensus is that the oil to use is a synthetic oil.
> However, opinions differ on when to change the oil.  The dealer says to
> leave the original oil in the car for the full initial 7500 miles.  Some of
> you agree--some of you say change it frequently in the first few thousand
> miles.  Some say change it every 3000 miles after the inital 7500, some say
> wait the whole 7500 interval.  Opinions??

Leave it in for 7500 miles.  Don't push the car *real* hard during
that period.  Someone wrote and said that the factory oil has
additives that help break-in and seating, and that replacing it
early does more harm than good... not sure about the additives,
but I think following the factory's 7500 mile advice is good.
Then switch to synthetic, if you want.
> 
> 2)  If it is a necessity that I do highway driving, I am told that I should
> vary my speed...down to 55, up to 75, etc., etc.  Is this enough of a
> variation to avoid the ring problems associated with constant rpm driving
> during break-in?

I think so.... assuming you're not doing the whole 7500 in one
long highway drive!
 
> 3)  If I want to modify my intake manifold or chip the engine, should I wait
> or do it now? 

No.  Wait until it's broken in a bit, so that you can tell what
differences are due to modifications vs. what is due to break-in.

> 4)  Has anyone experienced wear on the arm-rests (door and/or central) on
> the A4?  How have you coped with this?

Not yet (16 weeks).  I tend not to use them much, though.

> 5)  Are there any special care recommendations for the pearlescent white
> with clear coat paint job?  I paid about $500 for that option and would like
> it to stay nice for the **long** haul.

Just follow good car washing advice, and wax it with decent wax
(I like Zymol's premium stuff).
 
Dan Masi
'96 A4Q