JHR

I just picked up my 2000 A4 Avant. The dealer told me not to use Pennzoil oil (doesn't mix) and Shell gas (detergent causes check engine light to come on sometimes). I've used these 2 products for 25 years in my other cars with no problems. Anybody else been told this? Anybody experience problems using them?

LCP

Been using Shell gas 90% of the time in my 96 A4 and 00 S4 and never seen my check engine light

iceman

I'm using Mobil because of SpeedPass ;-)

Reggie3

For gas I have used Chevron - now Texaco for three years since Chevron is not in CO.

I have some cars that had over 150K on them. No problems with sludge build up. Lifters were always quiet and did not burn any oil. I also use lighter weight oils 5-30 and 10-30.

I have only used the oils that dealer uses - I have not done any oil changes myself as I usually change because of the time (six months) not mileage.

Reggie Short
98.5 2.8QMS w/<13K

ESN

of my Audis.

98.5 A4 2.8 QTS
96 A4 2.8 FWD Auto
93 90 CS FWD Auto

Audi2Ody

I use Shell regularly...50K miles on a '97 1.8TQMS...no probs.

Craig Wyzik

There's a Shell station right near my house, it's pay at the pump, and the nozzles still have the "keep pumping, damnit" latches on them... there is no other station around here that meets all 3 criteria... I have no problems whatsoever with Shell gasoline, either...

Foo

Fuel additives, and contaminents vary area to area....therefore experiment and find one u like

ChuckH

...many sources that Penzoil is not a good oil choice. I don't remeber the specifics, but I think it has some sort of additive that causes buildup or something like that. Also, I believe their refining and production methods are dated. Generally speaking, Penzoil is considered to be a Grocery Store type "sell it everywhere" brand.

FWIW, both the Audi dealers and my independednt mechanic give Chevron and Texaco the highest marks, and most of the oils are OK except Penzoil and the no names. My mechanic uses Kendall for those who don't go synthetic.

As a long-time Mobil 1 user, I would highly recommend going that route. It's well worth the extra money, and on a turbocharged car, there is no question it's the best way to go.

Bob Petruska

I have built many small block Chevy hi-pro(400+ hp)engines in my time. The only way they survived was with Pensoil. My relative owns a large engine rebuild shop and he logs what the customer was using when the engine died. Most engines he took apart had very high sludge build up, even though regular oil changes were performed. Pensoil was on the bottom of the list. When I tear apart a high performance engine for non-damaged related tear downs, the engines DO NOT exhibit any sludge build up at all, no piston scuffing, zero cam lobe wear, etc. I have seen other oils (which I won't mention as to be sued) increase wear and produce horrible sludge especially when ran at hot temps.

5 cars in the family with zero friction wear problems and none use any appreciable oil, less than half cup in 3000 miles on worse one.

The best Pensoil for the A4 is their 15W-40 Long Life. This contains less sulfur content and was made for very rough service....probably the best Pensoil made!