Hi, I have a 1998 A4 2.8 quattro with about 160,000 miles on it. I live in northern minnesota so it is hot in the summer an very cold in the winter. I was wondering what kind of motor oil everyone here would recommend using in this area and with this many miles. I've been hearing alot about the royal purple, What do you guys think? Also is their any additives that I should add maybe every once in awhile like a restorer or anything? Thanx

 

How long have you had the car and have you been running synthetic the whole time?

 

I just bought it a couple months ago. I have no clue what type of oil the previous owner used as I bought the car from a private dealer.

 

What if you have been running full synthetic the whole time?

SMo'

 

That is why I want to know the best type of oil to use, So I can hurry and get it changed. That way I will know for sure whats in it.

 

If your not sure what the previous owner used before, being synthetic or not, i would just run synthetic just to be safe. Nothing worst then switching over. Just my opinion.

 

I am not sure what oil to use in the higher mileage cars (I am still looking myself, Valvoline makes a full synthetic high mileage oil but its not 5w40)... I have noticed that my car (2.8 v6 30v at almost 100K miles) makes Valvoline 5w40dissapear slower than Mobil1 0w40or Castrol 5w40... I am going to try some RedLine as soon as I perform a AutoRx flush on it...

SMo'

 

Give it an AutoRX treatment and run whatever you want. The oil doesn't get cooked from the turbo like on the 1.8t engines so you could even run the cheapest dino oil you can. However, a good filter is key...

 

Amsoil. I switched and the engine ran noticeably smoother. Valvoline and royal purple are pretty good too.

 

valvoline maxlife synthetic, benefits of a full synthetic oil + additives in the maxlife, extra detergents, seal and gasket conditioner to prevent leaks. 5w30 is fine in the 2.8