I drove my audi today after leaving it in the garage all yesterday. I have an oil leak that I know about but isn't bad enough to do anything about. I just did and oil change on it 2 days ago. I switched from 5w-30 to 0w-30. My oil leak wasn't bad at all the last time I did an oil change and I barely lost any oil. I cam back home from a short trip and saw that there is a puddle of oil on the floor where my car was parked. I checked the level and it was lower then what it was 2 days ago. My question is is it leaking faster because of the oil switch? I mean it is less viscous now no?

 

I just read a chart that said I should run 20w-50 in the winter. I got it out of a chilton's manual. Doesn't that sound right? It seems alittle to heavy tor me. What oil should I use? Because I am definitely doing another oil change tonight

 

I was always told, and this was for N/A American v8's, 10w-30 in the summer and 5w-30 in the winter. If it's a 1.8T make sure to use synthetic, it'll help prevent sludging.

 

it is a 2.8 and it is between 0-50 degrees everyday if that helps for which oil to use

 

I would say 5w-30. This is because it's colder so the engine will have an easier time pumping cold 5w than pumping cold 10w.

 

The Castrol lubrication guide says 5w30 is safe for all temps. Obviously in extreme hot or cold I would worry about it but for your average American summer / winter I wouldn't worry. Oh and have you replaced your drain plug gasket? I personally replace mine every 2-4 oil changes to be safe (of course at the shop we have a whole drawer full of gaskets for different cars)

 

but do u think the viscousity is the culprit for the engine leaking more? I am going to replace the oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket after winter.

 

lol nooooooo you want 5w30 or 0w30 or something near there... the first number is cold viscosity and 2nd number is warm. so in winter when its colder out you should run a lower number so its more liquidy at resting temperature

 

^ Couldn't have said it better if I tried. I just felt that 0w was a little light for your average v6.

 

by drain plug gasket do u mean the metal washer on the drain plug? I am running 0w-30 now and I fear that this is the reason for my oil leaking more than usual. I just wanna know if that is a true statement?