N8!

Question for the forum:

Due to a number of circumstance over the last 12 months, I've only put around 2300 miles on my A5. My home screen tells me that I need service (since it is based on 12 month intervals), but is this really necessary?

I have approx 12,500 miles on the car after 2 years of ownership - most of those miles were in year 1.

Thanks in advance for your knowledgeable advice.

uberwgn

You should check in with your dealer. The warranty coverage for the USA mandates 10k miles or 365 days, whichever comes first.

Nikon1

I would as any "foreign substances" (gasoline, water from condensation, etc.) is sitting in your oil / crankcase and could break down the viscosity / lubrication of the engine oil. While Audi Oil Changes are not exactly "cheap" insurance, it could pay off if you keep your cars for a while.

Just my experience.

-- John

Richr

I would change the oil. Especially of those miles were the result of any short trips which do not allow the engine to heat up enough to burn off condensation. There are many factors that go into oil change frequency guidelines, including mileage, time, weather, usage, and environmental considerations. The most important to me is following the dealer recommendations to ensure warranty coverage in the event of a catastrophic engine failure related to lubrication and cooling.

paradyne

Mine is on the variable service schedule, which is 2 years / 20,000 or sooner if the cars says so. I doubt yours needs it with that usage even after a year, but as @Nikon1 says, if it's important for your warranty then you have to just do it anyway.

CtheW0rld

I would, at the very least, get an oil change. They'll do the multipoint inspection at the same time.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

IF you decide to keep the car past lease or warranty, you might try spectrometric oil analysis from any one of a variety of labs. I use ANA Labs in NJ....worst case was I had to supply a couple ounces of Castrol 10W-60 EDGE synthetic which is the BMW-required lube for the S54 3.2L motor. The engine has never required an oil change based on oil analyses, i.e., wear metals were always very low, Total Base Number (measure of additive effectiveness) always good, all the objective measurements were good. But I still change oil and filter annually.

N8!

Good advice and info - thanks ALL!

bextreme1

I just had my first oil change at 1 year. I always change the oil once a year but after the first one I never go to the dealer. I take it to my mechanic and it costs lees than half the dealer price. He checks everything they do and if anything happens, I have proof for audi that I did the required maintenance. The only time my cars see a dealer is for warranty work.

NJSRT

Yes, change it at least every year, even if you don’t put the miles in it. I do that with my Porsche. When oil sits, I’m sure it’ll lose some of it’s properties of heat cycles when using the car, as well as duration. Just to be safe, change it.