COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
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COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES - 11/15/2007 2:07:11 PM
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Teutonic2.7T
Posts: 118
Joined: 11/14/2007
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lets compile a list of preventative measures to preserve our cars... what habits have you adopted? have you stopped making full U turns to preserve your CV boots? how about releasing your break and switching to your hand break after a hard stop to keep from warping your disks? of course you let your car idle for a few minutes before shutting off after a good run... but do you also change your oil after only 5K?? what do you do?
< Message edited by Teutonic2.7T -- 11/16/2007 11:52:05 AM >
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/15/2007 3:46:49 PM
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Four Ring Circus
SoCal Crew Member
Posts: 289
Joined: 2/28/2007
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I park in my garage. I also have a sun visor. This keeps the sun off my car. I park away from ugly cars to minimize door dings. I park away from trees and wires to avoid sap and bird droppings. I pretty much only drive a bit on weekends. This keeps the miles low. I drive in Southern California, so no snow or salt gets on my car. I wash and regulary wax my car and treat the leather and interior. This keeps it clean. I perform routine maintenance and keep detailed records. This keeps it running. That's about it for me. The turbo care tips are priceless. Basic warm up and cool down is essential for long life.
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/15/2007 6:34:26 PM
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formulagigi
Posts: 1008
Joined: 4/23/2007
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some are repeats form above
park inside or cover
carefully chose parking spots (surounding cars, trees...)
very strict regular maintenance I don't follow the 10k miles oil chnages interval. I dio every 5k miles and only use the best oils
Only use specialized indy shops
warm up engine beffre pushing it
cool off before turning it off
always put on handbrake before putting it in Park, especially when parked at an incline
careful mod selection
regular wash
try to drive my jeep a few days a week to save miles on Audi
Never get gas in a cheap discuont gas station. I only get Shell 93 actually or sometimes 100 race gas from petroexpress/texaco
_____________________________
 
2004 A6 Stg 2+ and 99 TJ...mod
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/15/2007 8:20:04 PM
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Nocturnal_A62.7
Posts: 704
Joined: 10/19/2007
From: The District
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Gigi covered almost everything. I change my oil after every 3k miles. It is not required, but have always been like this, so can't help. Uses 93oc, only let my dealer touch it, and never went to those auto car-wash, cleans/wax myself, always replaced parts with genuine Audi oem.
_____________________________
Drive carefully! Remember, it's not only a car that can be recalled by it's maker.
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/15/2007 10:18:50 PM
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avantgradeA6
Posts: 207
Joined: 11/11/2007
From: Poconos
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Great thread by the way, glad to see that others are anal about their cars, but anyway to add a few: fuel system cleaners evey now an then, rain-x for superior visibility, bosch blades, cleaning of the throttle body, little taseful blaupunkt sub to preserve stock components and keep them sounding tight, avioding potholes and minimal sudden hard acceleration and breaking. And remember, (since most are enter the cold winter season), let the engin fully warm up before any kind of high RPMs.
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/16/2007 11:36:52 AM
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Teutonic2.7T
Posts: 118
Joined: 11/14/2007
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These are some great ideas, many of which I do without being conscious that im doing it.
I however only use oem parts when its really necessary... is there really a difference?? does it really matter with hoses and spark plugs?? come'on now!! ???
I also keep a small microfiber cloth for my mirors, interior chrome, and dash. I keep a small detail brush in the car for the little grooves. I just found a gel for the interior from armour-all that works great for some minor touch ups on the plastics.... i use it whilst sitting at a light or waiting for the car to warm-up.
anymore idiosyncratic methods please don't be embarrased to share.....
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/16/2007 12:01:36 PM
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zurn
Posts: 43
Joined: 10/22/2007
From: Cranston R.I.
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I have a small electric power washer and hot and cold water in my garage, I like to keep the underside of my car as nice as the body,Tire air pressure ,I think we should also talk about not changing the oil to soon, I change mine at 5- k
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/16/2007 12:38:21 PM
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Nocturnal_A62.7
Posts: 704
Joined: 10/19/2007
From: The District
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Zurn, 5-6K is right. I change it after 3K, which is not bad either, as I have been doing it ever since I started having cars. Like to see the golden oil coming from my engine without turning black. I have to feel confident about my car, so along with 3K oil change, I change my battery every 2 yrs, and tyres every 20K. It is expensive and unnecessary, but it buys me a mental comfort.
Armour All...hmmm...I have seen that product at Walmart, and Target, but never used it. I only use Zainos http://www.zainostore.com/, and very satisfied with it, previously, I have used Meguiars, which was also all right.
Believe me, OEM parts are very important for these cars. It is not a Honda or a Toyota. Hell, I won't even buy a bolt if it is not OEM. Well, that's a little too much ;)
_____________________________
Drive carefully! Remember, it's not only a car that can be recalled by it's maker.
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/16/2007 2:04:54 PM
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prbayha
Posts: 505
Joined: 6/30/2006
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Heated Garage
Weekly hand washes
Monthly hand waxes
Treat leather every 6 months + full interior detail. Full interior wipe down at every wash.
3k oil changes
10k air filter change
Fuel System Cleaner every oil change
Religious routine maintenance (as required by dealer)
Keep all reciepts for everything, including stuff from Auto Parts Store.
I let the SAP finish running before I take off on cold starts.
Always set handbrake before putting in park (goes for all cars)
Every 6 months clean bottom of battery tray and sunroof track (prevents those pesky leaks you read about)
10k tire rotations
Avoid rough roads and potholes
Always close sunroof when car is parked
Always use all power sun shades (rear, sides) and install one in Windshield on SUnny days
Never park near trees or light poles (birds, sap)
Always park in end spots or near other performance vehicles (prevents dings)
Always kick my shoes off before entering if I have been in dirt or gravel etc.
Lay sheet over leather when dirty clothes are on.
Always make sure hands are clean before operating vehicle.
_____________________________
2001 Audi A6 4.2 Sport - Silver
2004 Lexus IS 300 SD - Black
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/16/2007 5:05:15 PM
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catdog
Posts: 86
Joined: 10/14/2007
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Change the battery every 2 years. Worth the $100 or so.
I once had a battery of unknown age leak in my 911. It was one of the worst experinces of my life. I would lay awake at night wondering if I had gotten all the sulfuric acid.
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2002 3.0 Quattro
Hill Country, Texas
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/17/2007 10:33:05 AM
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formulagigi
Posts: 1008
Joined: 4/23/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: prbayha
Heated Garage
Weekly hand washes
Monthly hand waxes
Treat leather every 6 months + full interior detail. Full interior wipe down at every wash.
3k oil changes
10k air filter change
Fuel System Cleaner every oil change
Religious routine maintenance (as required by dealer)
Keep all reciepts for everything,
Every 6 months clean bottom of battery tray and sunroof track (prevents those pesky leaks you read about)
10k tire rotations
Avoid rough roads and potholes
Always close sunroof when car is parked
Always use all power sun shades (rear, sides) and install one in Windshield on SUnny days
Always kick my shoes off before entering if I have been in dirt or gravel etc.
Lay sheet over leather when dirty clothes are on.
Always make sure hands are clean before operating vehicle.
Some very good points I forgot...
I wish I had a heated garage:)
VERY important point is not only to do the service religiously and with an approved/Certified AUDI mechanic, but also to keep all maintenance/service/mod receipts with mileage. I hate the dealer and they are acutally no that good but I use them if I am under AUDI warranty. Outside of warranty I always go a TOP NOTCH indy shop that specializes ion Porsche, Audis, Bimmer and even works on Ferraris and Lotus vehicles. When other shops and even dealer don't know or can't fix something, they go to that shop.... I trust two shops in my area and never go elesewhere. (PAS Automotive and GMP performance in Charlotte).
BTW how do you clean your sunroof track?
_____________________________
2004 A6 Stg 2+ and 99 TJ...mod
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/19/2007 8:00:14 AM
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Teutonic2.7T
Posts: 118
Joined: 11/14/2007
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good question. Ditto.
how do you clean your sunroof track?
also, Nocturnal_A62.7, thanks for the link! i'll def. pick up some.... also, don't sleep on target they have a decent auto section.
< Message edited by Teutonic2.7T -- 11/19/2007 8:02:37 AM >
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/19/2007 12:57:28 PM
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AZAudiA6Q
Posts: 551
Joined: 11/14/2007
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Thanks for the tips. As a 22 year old Audi owner, I'm pretty much in a whole new world of luxury and care with this car. My previous vehicle was a 94' Dodge Spirit. Thanks again.
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"I'm the bomb BLOW me."
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/19/2007 4:08:48 PM
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Retard Riot 686
Posts: 249
Joined: 7/17/2007
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Good Thread Guys very handy.
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/19/2007 4:36:42 PM
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ppgoal
Posts: 669
Joined: 9/8/2006
From: Holland MI
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I think the key is do all the preventive maintenance and generally treat the car gently. That doesn't mean I don't accelerate hard sometimes, but it is not my normal style of driving. I use Mobil1 and change the oil every 7-8k, rotate the tires at 5k, avoid pot holes whenever possible, and yell at my kids all the time about slamming the doors and trunk. When stoplights turn red ahead of me, I pull my foot off the gas and start coasting rather than having to use the brakes hard. I also listen carefully to the sounds the car makes and get problems fixed immediately. It's washed every couple weeks (by hand) in the summer and waxed 4-6 times a year with an interior detailing at the same time.
I picked it up used at 37k and just turned 105k. Only unexpected problem was an alternator at 70k. It was chipped at 74k and I replaced the clutch/flywheel at 90k and the timing belt at 95k. Brakes were just done for the second time.
_____________________________
2003 Audi A6 2.7T MT6
Premium Package-Cold Weather Package-Bose
GIAC-Bailey DVs-Samco TBB
AWE Stage 2 Clutch+Lightweight Flywheel
235/45 R17 Pirelli P6 All-season; OEMs
235/40 ZR18 ContiExtremeContact;
Velocity RS4 Replica Rims
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RE: compile a list of preventative measures - 11/19/2007 6:38:41 PM
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prbayha
Posts: 505
Joined: 6/30/2006
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There are drain tubes in the corner of the track. Slide your roof all the way back and clean out the tracks of dirt and debris. Try not to wipe out all the grease. Replace some grease if necessary (lithium). Locate the drain tube and blow some compressed air through it. Make sure the line is clear of dirt and debris.
In regards to the battery...if you disconnect the thing you will have to reprogramm everything. What I did was take my battery out of my truck and I hooked a pair of jumper cables to both the positive and negative cables to the battery cables on the AUDI. I carefully loosened the cable ends from the battery posts and never lost power because the spare battery was connected. It worked awesome and it will save you the headache of reprogramming. Yank the battery out of there and clean the bottom of the tray and surrounding area. Blow compressed air through the drain hole and clear it of dirt and debris. Reverse procedure.
Once this has been done you are worry free of interior puddles...hahah...This took me all of about 35-40 minutes and I was taking my time. Real easy DIY. No money involved. If you neglect this you will pay thousands to repair dead TCU's etc.
_____________________________
2001 Audi A6 4.2 Sport - Silver
2004 Lexus IS 300 SD - Black
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