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When was the last time you changed your Audi’s oil? Has it been a while? If you want your vehicle’s engine to remain reliable and operate smoothly throughout its lifespan, you should change its oil at recommended intervals. Today’s blog post discusses everything you need to know about oil change intervals like- factors affecting frequency, signs that indicate it’s time for a change, and the benefits of keeping up with this essential maintenance task. Let’s start by discussing the basics…
How Oil Helps The Engine
The engine has a special capability… it converts thermal energy to mechanical torque―the force that keeps your car in motion. Oil is crucial for smooth and reliable operation of the engine. By keeping the moving parts of the engine properly lubricated, oil eliminates friction between moving components. By absorbing and dissipating excess heat, oil maintains optimal operating temperatures of the engine. By removing dirt, debris, and contaminants accumulated inside the engine, it reduces the risk of blockages and corrosion.
In short, oil helps your Audi engine operate smoothly and efficiently. But, it has a limited lifespan and needs to be replaced as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Factors Affecting Oil Change Frequency
Driving habits
How often you should change your Audi’s engine oil depends on a multitude of factors- the most prominent being your driving style. Driving in stop-and-go traffic can accelerate oil degradation in a vehicle so if you live in a city and often encounter slow-moving traffic, you might need to change your vehicle’s oil frequently. On the other hand… driving on the highway allows the engine to operate at more consistent speeds, enabling the oil to retain its properties longer.
Climate and weather conditions
Extreme temperatures can also accelerate the breakdown of your vehicle’s oil. Driving in hot climates can cause the engine to operate at high temperatures. This is something that can cause the oil to thin out and become less effective at lubricating engine components. Similarly… driving in cold climates can result in thickening of the oil and formation of a sludge like substance. This can adversely impact your vehicle’s performance characteristics.
Type of oil
Oil can be classified into three broad categories based on their composition: conventional, synthetic, and high-mileage oil. Only use high-quality synthetic oil in your Audi- as recommended in the owner’s manual. Don’t go after cheap oil available on the marking. Using low quality oil can influence the engine’s efficiency, longevity, & yes, it can also cause irreparable damage to key engine components of your vehicle.
Signs Your Audi Needs An Oil Change
Dashboard warning lights
Oil helps your car engine with many different things… from lubrication to cooling. Contamination or degradation of such a crucial fluid can impact the engine’s overall efficiency. To alert the owner about the condition of engine oil, Audi has incorporated different audio-visual warnings into its vehicles. Look for such alerts if you suspect that your vehicle’s oil has reached its maximum serviceable life.
Engine noise
Lately, has your Audi engine been emitting a strange noise during operation? It is by no means normal. Degradation of oil can cause the engine to run rough and generate scary noises. So, if you are hearing knocking, ticking, or similar noises as it operates, the very first thing that you should do is assess the oil level and quality. If the oil appears dirty or contaminated, consider replacing it right away.
Performance issues
Sluggish engine operation often indicate the need for an oil change in vehicles. So, if your Audi is struggling to pick up speed or idling rough, don’t take it for granted. Find out what’s going on with the vehicle and have the issue fixed at the earliest convenience. If oil degradation is what causing the trouble, replace it ASAP. Just so you know… oil degradation can contribute to reduced fuel efficiency in a vehicle.
Change Your Audi’s Oil At Auto Scandia
The interval at which you should change 
your Audi’s oil depends on a multitude of factors including, your driving habits, the make and model of your vehicle, weather conditions, and more.
Check your vehicle’s engine oil quality every now and then and change it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your Audi is due for an oil change and you are in Herndon, VA or nearby locations, you are in luck. Contact us at Auto Scandia to have your vehicle’s engine lubrication system assessed by certified professionals. Call us at 703-471-4494 or visit our website to schedule your Audi’s oil change service at your convenience.