Fluids/Pentosin/Mechanics

[Joe Yakubik <75363.2524@CompuServe.COM>]

When someone says "Oh my god!  You put Pentosin in your master cylinder?"  Do
not panic (not right away).  Pentosin is a brand name.  Kind of like "I use
Kleenex to blow my nose" or "Xerox this for me".  How many types of automotive
fluids does Quaker State make?

I have here on my desk a small bottle with PENTOSIN in big red letters inside a
stylized blue globe.  I wouldn't put this in my hydraulic system, because under
that globe is written "Super DOT 4 Bremsflussigkeit  Brake Fluid  Liquide de
Frein"  I would put this "Pentosin" in my brake system though.

The point is to know what goes where in your car.  Audi does do a pretty good
job of labelling the resevoirs.  Read the label on the reservoir, then the label
on the bottle.  Double check:  do the fluids look the same?  Should I check them
hot or cold?  Motor on or off?

If the mechanic looks like he doesn't know what he's doing:  Ask.  It's your
money and your car.  If you're still not sure, go somewhere else.  When you have
a repair done, get a detailed itemized receipt and if feasible get your old
parts back, or at least ask to see them.  Do not accept:  miscellaneous parts --
$75.  A good, reputable mechanic should not be offended.  Most of the ones I've
dealt with were actually pleased that I was showing interest in my car and his
(or in one case, her) work.

Joe Yakubik
'91 200tqw (complete with quattro paper weights, compliments my tranny)