Need help picking out the basics for a tune up!
 

Hi I have never owned an audi and but one recently, it needs a tune up and I just wanted to know what is the prefered brand for oil, coolant and spark plugs for a 1997 2.8L V6 12 Avant Quattro?

I know I need sythetic for the oil but what viscosity do you guys use, I live in souther california so warm climate!

any help appreciated,
thanks

A good tune up on this car includes a computer scan to monitor the sensors in real time (engine running), especially the MAF and O2 sensors and check the fuel trims. If the sensors are tired, you have wasted your spark plugs that play little role these days with clean burning engines. I use 10W-40 oil, synthetic lasts longer and increases the change interval, use the owners manual for coolant, my car uses G12 lifetime coolant but the 97 may use something else, get the plugs that the parts place gives you for the car, I use iridium to extend the change cycle. If you are into fluids, look at the transmission fluid and filter and final drive fluids. Remeber air and fuel filters. Always check the air filter, lazy ham fisted dopes at service places often neglect to fully seal the air cleaner housing and refitting all the hoses to it, giving you dirty air, crapping up the MAF and throttle body.

thanks for the tips, I appreciate it!

A good tune up on an audi engine should be a fresh oil change, spark plugs, all new coil packs (unless its a 2.8L which yours is) wires (if it has the 2.8L, yours is) and a good intake cleaning with some seafoam, which should be done before you replace the spark plugs because the carbon will foul them up.
Scan of the ECU, air filter, cleaning of the MAF with maf sensor cleaner, and topping off of all fluids.


Optional:

Brake fluid flush if you're close to 100k
Replacing of the ECT sensor behind the engine
CV boot replacement if between 80-100k
Transmission fluid replacment, or at least make sure its not leaking. The book says its a lifetime fluid, but that mumbo jumbo so you won't check it and end up buying a trans when it blows up on ya.
Same goes for coolant, but that usually gets replaced when you change the timing belt and water pump.

I change the fuel filter every 3 or so oil changes. I find that people tend to neglect this and it can lead to fuel pump failure.