I recently did my first oil change on my new-to-me SQ5 and noticed some small pieces of metal in the drain pan. I hear that this is quite common and one of the reasons not to wait 10,000 miles to change oil. I went over my usual 5,000 and changed today at 6,000. Should I contact my mechanic or let it go?
How large are the pieces we’re talking about? Ideally, there’s nothing in there.
So small I almost didn’t notice but bubbles formed around them. There were about 3 pieces. Smaller than a crumb I suppose.
If you’re concerned, get an oil analysis. Everything else is pointless speculation. FWIW, when I did my 3rd oil change at 12k miles, I noticed a disturbing amount of metal in the oil filter pleats that were larger and shinier than expected.
Do this OP, the only benefit of 0w20 is really emissions. I personally switched to 5w40 as I’m stage 2 but I would definitely do W30/40 on these engines even without a tune.
5w40 makes my engine run noticeably smoother and quieter at high rpm. My usual mechanic was out of town last year so I took it to another shop that did 0w20 and I could tell the difference.
This. I had a rocker fail at 60k and I, as well as the techs and others at Audi who I discussed it with, pretty convinced it’s a lubricity problem.
Which 5w40 do you use?
Uma said:
Which 5w40 do you use?
Liquimolly 502
Thanks! How long have you been using it? Have you noticed any issues? Is the oil temperature getting lower or higher compared to 5w20 if you’ve used it before?
Uma said:
Thanks! How long have you been using it? Have you noticed any issues? Is the oil temperature getting lower or higher compared to 5w20 if you’ve used it before?
I was on 5w30 for the last 2 years and 5w40 last year and honestly I haven’t seen any temp differences that would be notable.
I just don’t have it in me to want to change the oil on my cars anymore. I used to love it.
73 and still do my own oil changes but I do use an oil extractor.
I have that 6.5L extractor and I use it for the A4. I think I need a larger one for the SQ5, no? Don’t wanna have to empty it and start again.
Palmer said:
I have that 6.5L extractor and I use it for the A4. I think I need a larger one for the SQ5, no? Don’t wanna have to empty it and start again.
Yes you would; it’s 7.7 quarts of capacity.
Doesn’t make it wrong either way. If he likes it that way, then he likes it. Just be happy the oil is getting changed.
I have one of these SQ5s and have been running the recommended oil weight. Can someone explain the 5w-40 thing being better? Where did that come from?
Dale said:
I have one of these SQ5s and have been running the recommended oil weight. Can someone explain the 5w-40 thing being better? Where did that come from?
The thinner oil is for fuel economy (CAFE) purposes. Simply put: 0w40 and 5w40 are better oils.
There will always be something in the oil pan. New or old. It’s normal and you shouldn’t worry about it. But you could ask your mechanic just to hear if he would try to make a buck on you or if he’s trustworthy.
Extract. Extract. Extract. See here. The engine is designed for it.