carmitage1015

Hello, I have a couple of questions regarding maintenance of a 2004 Audi A4 1.8 turbo with 140,000 miles that I recently purchased. The manual indicates a 0W10 oil is best with variances according to driving condition from 0W20 to 0W40. Question one: Is there a, different than the manual, currently recommended oil for the higher mileage car being driven between altitudes from 5,000 - 10,000 above sea level?
My uncle who is a mechanic says, "with high mileage and high altitude", he would recommend the synthetic 5W30. Question two: Is this an acceptable weight?

uberwgn

Your car requires an oil that meets VAG spec 502.00. You can use any viscosity that meets the standard - - they're all going to be considered "thicker" oils.

If in the USA, Mobil 1 0W40 or Castrol 0W40 are fairly common, both found at W*mart for cheap $$$.

carmitage1015

So, there is no such thing as a 5W that will meet that 502 standard?

uberwgn

Castrol was the main provider of the 5W40 502.00 oil. I don't see it at my local store any longer. I'm sure it can be ordered on line. I used to see it at Autozone all the time. I'd check to see if they might have it.

The replacement oil is Castrol's 0W40. That would be a more modern product. Supposed to be very good.

uberwgn

It's on Amazon:
It is literally 2X the price of the oils I mention above. Those are right around $24 for a 5 qt jug.

carmitage1015

Thank you kindly!

uberwgn

Don't overlook our forum sponsor, ECS Tuning, either. They typically have nice oil change kits with the proper oil + filter. I would cross-check with them and you may be pleasantly surprised.

carmitage1015

Thank you!

planekiller1

I just use Castrol 5W-30 sometimes splurge and use 0W-40, but honestly as long as you do it when its needed by looking at the color and by miles you won't have any issues (Buy a dip stick!!!), but don't leave it in the car there is not stop on the bottom so it could damage the inside of the engine if left inserted. This way you can monitor actual oil level without MMI. Whats cool is with my VCDS I can view the actual oil level in mm so just a bonus in buying the ross-tech package.
Kurt

carmitage1015

Thanks for the information....I do like to change more frequently than recommended. I usually change at 4,000 miles. You don't like the dipstick that they provided with manufacture?