Just a quick question…

I have a 2003 A4 1.8T that I purchased about a month ago with 42000 something miles on it. I bought it certified pre-owned so I got a warranty up to 92000 miles. They had done an oil change before I had purchased it and I guess with synthetic it can go up to 10,000 miles before I need to get my oil changed. I will more than likely change it around 5 because it’s what I am used to. But I keep hearing about sludge building up and such and having an effect during long trips. I am leaving in less than 3 weeks to drive up to Seattle from Huntington Beach, CA. About 18-20 hour trip. I have put less than 1000 miles on my car since I have had it surprisingly so I am wondering if sludge is a problem to me right now? And since I have the extended warranty where I just pay a 50 dollar deductible, if something happens on this trip, is this technically MY fault? Or something that if I get towed into an Audi dealer will be fixed at no cost to me?

 

I've always heard highway driving was easier on the oil.

Why are you worried about oil sludge when you only have 42000 miles on it and have only gone 1000 miles since the oil change? They can't void a warranty for driving a long distance, that would just be stupid. It wouldn't be your fault as long as you follow their rules (sevice every xxxx miles.)

 

I am worried because I am making this trip by myself and am afraid to be stranded on the side of the road. I have never owned an Audi before this and hear about problems with oil sludge during road trips and such. Just dont want to be in the same situation and didn't know how soon this problem occurs. I know they can't void a warranty for going a long distance. My question was if something happens to my car related to oil sludge within my warranty, is this something I have to pay for or it will be paid by Audi.

 

oops.. Repost

 

you'll be fine. oil sludge is usually a problem on engines with more miles than that...unless the previous owner never put in synthetic you wont have a problem. but if you want to be extra sure pop off your oil cap and look in there. the pics im providing are from a bimmer but it'll give you a general idea

if it looks like this than you got a problem-


but if it looks like this, your good to go-


big difference lol. and with highway miles your oil will last a lot longer. its stop and go that causes you to change it more often. as long as you keep synthetic in there after every 5k you should never see sludge

 

Never go 10k, especially on a turbo. Audi only pays for it every 10k with the expectation that you will get it changed at 5K in between. You should be fine. As long as you have a cell hpone with service, Audi roadside will do you right. I've used VW's roadside and it was great so Audi should be better.

 

You will be covered if you have the Audi Assured Warrenty and have all the records of oil changes in the correct intervals. (Either you have them all from the previous owner, or Audi has them on their system if they were all completed at the dealership.)

How do I know? My car sludged up around 95k miles and I was audi assured until 100k. I had all records so they covered it...all but my $53.00 deductable.

You should be fine, its too early to start worrying about sludge anyways.