COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (Full Version)

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COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

  

Teutonic2.7T -> COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (11/15/2007 2:07:11 PM)

 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?

  
Four Ring Circus -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/15/2007 3:46:49 PM)

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. 

formulagigi -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/15/2007 6:34:26 PM)

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

Nocturnal_A62.7 -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/15/2007 8:20:04 PM)

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.

avantgradeA6 -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/15/2007 10:18:50 PM)

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.

Teutonic2.7T -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/16/2007 11:36:52 AM)

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.....

zurn -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/16/2007 12:01:36 PM)

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

Nocturnal_A62.7 -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/16/2007 12:38:21 PM)

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 ;)

prbayha -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/16/2007 2:04:54 PM)

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.



catdog -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/16/2007 5:05:15 PM)

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.

dmrdennie -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/17/2007 7:02:28 AM)

Ditto on warmup and cooldown. The parking brake is very important as well as this minimizes potential transmission damage. One that I'd like to add is, be very limited on who you allow to drive your car!!!  Keep this list to a minimum.!!! Most damage that I've had in the past revolved around me breaking this rule. 

formulagigi -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/17/2007 10:33:05 AM)

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?

Teutonic2.7T -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/19/2007 8:00:14 AM)

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.


 
 
 


AZAudiA6Q -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/19/2007 12:57:28 PM)

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.

Retard Riot 686 -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/19/2007 4:08:48 PM)

Good Thread Guys very handy.

ppgoal -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/19/2007 4:36:42 PM)

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.

prbayha -> RE: compile a list of preventative measures (11/19/2007 6:38:41 PM)

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.

zurn -> RE: COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (11/23/2007 4:34:28 AM)

Vacuum hoses behind the intake should be checked on the A6 3.o avk ...My vacuum lines where so hard they broke into several peices.....Might be worth looking at. 

Teutonic2.7T -> RE: COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (11/23/2007 6:59:52 AM)

oh, I also tend to down shift with my tiptronic when getting off of the highway ramp... this saves my breaks and keeps the rotors from warping... i was told that you can warp them when you break hard from 50mph and above. 

on another note when i see an officer i tend to downshift with tiptronic if im speeding, since it doesn't activate your breaklights... hence, less guilty.  i swear this has saved me a few tickets!

does anyone else use tiptronic to slow down?? i sometimes worry that i will have to replace it which would be astronomical in cost.... but it so far on my previous cars has been solid.  also it must wear the engine down a bit.  any comments?

AZAudiA6Q -> RE: COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (11/23/2007 11:37:08 AM)

My tiptronic doesn't even work. It's sad because that is SUCH a joy... Drove around the new VW Jetta for a bit and I was addicted to the tiptronic shifting. Now I feel deprived.

formulagigi -> RE: COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (11/23/2007 2:11:13 PM)

I use my tip like I would a stick but it is not as fun! This is my first and last Auto tranny equipped car!

katcoota -> RE: COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (5/6/2008 2:54:11 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: formulagigi

I use my tip like I would a stick but it is not as fun! This is my first and last Auto tranny equipped car!


I hear you, but it's a shame that Manuals are becoming a dying breed. Even in Europe the V8 audis come with Autos. No manual option.

The new M5 now ships with a manual that most reviewers say is worse than the auto!!!

Anyway, back to the topic. Most stuff is covered. But here is one more.

I try and get the tires with the lip protectors. They help on narrow street parking. They do not look as nice as regular tires though [:-]

joetm -> RE: COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (5/6/2008 2:48:37 PM)

i feel as if i have a problem ... i wash the car every other day i wipe the wheels every night ... OCD or black car with new rims?

as for the maint im with all the rest of u

trapped -> RE: COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (5/6/2008 3:30:06 PM)

Hmm well I always clean the car religiously... I don't have space to park it under a garage so a weekly wash is a must! I always wipe down the interior. 

My question is why hand break before park? I have never heard about that!

hmm I have a quick question about tires, my right front is wearing faster than the others and I have a viberation under breaking does a warped rotor seem like the culprit. I have allready checled everything else.

trapped -> RE: COMPILE A LIST OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (5/6/2008 3:33:50 PM)

I had the pleasure of driving an M6 (uncle just got one!!!) that was auto with paddle shift and it was incredible!, but I still not quite the same.

  

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