Re: oil change in a new S4

["John Gong" <jgong@us.oracle.com>]

If youwant to buy a new car from the dealer at their recommended specified
interval, you are welcome to follow the manual to the letter.

What differenct theories are you talking about?  I know of no one who knows
about cars and to proper car of them who wouldn't at least consider doubling
the recommended interval.  Although I haven't read any references, I'm sure
other netters could cite actual testimonials of better longevity with frequent
oil changes.  In brief, oil not only lubricates, but suspends contaminants
such as combustion end products and metallic shavings.  The more frequently
you expel the contaminants, the less there will be for your engine to
grind into them. I think anyone who has any mechanical aptitude does not 
consider this a warm-fuzzy.

> I have ~3K miles on a 4 month old S4.  The manual clearly states that
> the 1st oil change is to be at 7.5K miles.

> Since this question has probably been discussed in excruciating
> detail, could please briefly someone summarize the different 
> theories ?

> I have been of the belief that many folks change their oil as often as
> they do because they can and that it gives them a warm-fuzzy that
> their taking gook care of their car.

> I have always watched the oil level and changed filter/oil at somewhere
> between 5K and 10K miles.  I have never had any engine problems, but
> then again, I've never had a car with 100K+ miles before.

> One Dealer that I called said it is better to wait than change the oil
> 'early'.  His reasoning was that there is special "break-in oil" that,
> if change to non break-in oil, will prolong the break-in period.


You just made my weekend with that comment...


         John