2007 AUDI R8 oil

Care of vehicle and cleaning 144Care of vehicle and cleaningGeneral notesRegular care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle.Regular and careful care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle.
This may also be one of the requirements for upholding any
warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint defects.
Audi R8 dealers and specialist retailers carry stocks of suitable car
care products. Please follow the instructions for use on the pack-
aging.
WARNING
•
Cleaning products and other materials used for car care can
damage health if misused.
•
Car care materials can contain toxic substances and must
always be kept in a safe place out of reach of children.For the sake of the environment
•
When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are
not harmful to the environment.
•
Surplus cleaning materials should not be disposed of together
with ordinary household waste.
Care of exteriorWa s hi ng t he c a rThe longer substances like insects, bird droppings, resinous tree
sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other
aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong
sunlight) further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have
the underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Automatic car washes
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precau-
tions such as closing the windows. If the vehicle is fitted with
special accessories such as spoilers or a two-way radio aerial, etc.,
it is advisable to consult the car wash operator ⇒.
It is best to use a car wash without revolving bristles if possible.
Washing your car with a high-pressure cleaner
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always
follow the operating instructions for the equipment. This applies
particularly to the operating pressure and the spraying distance. Do
not hold the spray nozzle too close to soft materials, such as rubber
hoses or seals.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or
one that has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt
first, and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush, using only
slight pressure. You should start on the roof and work down. Special
car shampoo should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second
sponge for this.
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Care of vehicle and cleaning145
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
•
Do not wash the vehicle with the ignition switched on – risk of
accident.
•
Do not clean the underside of the car or inside the wheel arches
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on
sharp metal parts.
•
Take care when washing the car during the winter: moisture
and ice on the brakes may affect braking efficiency – this could
cause an accident.Caution
•
Compare the track width of your vehicle with the distance
between the guide rails for the wheels in the car wash. Otherwise
there may be a risk of damaging the wheel rims and tyres.
•
Compare the ground clearance of your vehicle with the height of
the guide rails for the wheels in the car wash to prevent any damage
to the underside.
•
Compare the width of your vehicle with the available width when
entering and driving through the car wash.
•
Retract the exterior mirrors to avoid damage. Electrically retract-
able exterior mirrors must NOT be folded in or out by hand. Always
use the electrical power control.
•
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight – otherwise the paint
can be damaged.
•
Do not use insect sponges, or abrasive household sponges, etc.
– they can damage the surfaces.
•
The headlights should only be washed with water – do not wipe
them with a dry cloth or sponge. It is best to use soapy water.
•
Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the water out in a direct
stream. This could damage the tyres – even if the spray is kept at a
distance and only used for a very short time.
For the sake of the environment
The car should only be washed in special wash bays. This prevents
oily water from getting into the public drains. In some districts,
washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.Waxing and polishingWaxi ng
Waxing protects the paintwork. It is time to apply a good coat of wax
when water no longer forms droplets and rolls off the clean paint-
work.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, it is advis-
able to protect the paint with a coat of wax at least twice a year.
In the summer, you will find it is much easier to remove dead insects
(which accumulate on the bumper and front lid) if the car has been
waxed recently.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the
gloss cannot be brought back by putting on wax.
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not
contain wax compounds to seal the paint.
Caution
Matt painted and plastic parts must not be treated with wax or
polish.Ornamental trim and mouldingsThe metal brightwork on the body is made of aluminium rather than
chrome (for environmental reasons).
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Care of vehicle and cleaning 146Dirt or marks on the trim mouldings should be removed with an
acid-free cleaning agent (do not use a chrome cleaner). Body polish
is also unsuitable for use on trim mouldings. The intensive cleaning
fluids often used before the car goes into a car wash may contain
alkaline substances, which can cause dull or milky patches when
they dry out.
Audi R8 dealers carry stocks of cleaning products which have been
tested and approved for use on your vehicle and which are not
harmful to the environment.Plastic partsPlastic parts will come clean with regular washing. If this is not suffi-
cient, plastic parts should only be treated with a special solvent-free
plastic cleaning agent. Do not use paint cleaners, polishes or wax on
plastic parts.Applies to vehicles: with carbon partsCarbon partsThe carbon parts on your vehicle have a painted surface. They do
not need any special care and are cleaned just like any other painted
part ⇒page 144.Paint damageMinor damage to the paint, such as scratches or stone chips, should
be touched up without delay before the metal starts to corrode. Suit-
able touch-up brushes or sprays for your car can be obtained from
an Audi R8 dealer.
The number of the original paint finish on the vehicle is given on the
data sticker ⇒page 196.If corrosion is already visible it must be thoroughly removed by a
qualified workshop.
Windows
Clear vision is an essential safety factor.The windscreen must not be cleaned with insect remover or wax,
otherwise the windscreen wipers will not function properly
(juddering).
Traces of rubber, oil, grease or silicone can be removed with a
window cleaning solution or a silicone remover. Wax residue can
only be removed with a special cleaner. Your Audi R8 dealer will be
able to provide you with more detailed information.
The windows should also be cleaned on the inside at regular inter-
vals.
Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the windows. Cloths used for
waxing and polishing contain residues that will cause smears on the
glass.
WARNING
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visi-
bility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a
serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper
blades to judder.
Caution
•
Remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors with a plastic
scraper only. To avoid scratches caused by dirt on the glass, the
scraper should only be pushed in one direction and not moved to
and fro.
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Care of vehicle and cleaning 148In the case of normal surface dirt you can use a foam cleaner. Use a
sponge to spread the foam on the textile surface and to work it into
the material lightly. However, make sure that the textile material
does not become soaking wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and
absorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-fibre cloth) and vacuum off any
residue once the surface is completely dry.
Removal of stains
To treat stains caused by spilled drinks (coffee, fruit juice or similar)
make up a solution with a mild detergent for sensitive fabrics and
apply it with a sponge. If the stains are difficult to remove, a
washing paste can be applied directly onto the stain and worked
into the fabric. The surface will then have to be wiped with clear
water to remove any residue left by the paste. To do so, use a damp
cloth or sponge and then dab the stain with an absorbent cloth.
Treat chocolate or make-up stains with a washing paste and then
rinse off with water (using a damp sponge).
A spirit-based cleaner can be used to remove grease, oil, lipstick or
ball point pen. Then dab the dissolved grease or colour particles off
with an absorbent cloth or similar. You may also have to treat the
stain once more using washing paste and water.
If the covers or textile trim panels are badly soiled we recommend
that you have them cleaned by a professional cleaning company.
Note
Please make sure you close any velcro fasteners on your clothing, as
these could otherwise damage the upholstery.
Applies to vehicles: with leather upholsteryNatural leather
Audi does everything possible to preserve the special
qualities of leather as a natural product.General notes
We have a wide selection of leathers. The main type used is nappa
in various forms, that is leather with a smooth surface in a selection
of colours.
The amount of dye used determines the appearance and properties
of leather. If the leather is left in a more natural state, it retains its
typical natural appearance and is pleasant and comfortable for the
seat occupants. Fine veins, healed scars, insect bites, wrinkles and
a subtle variation in shading remain visible; these are the character-
istic features of genuine natural leather.
Natural napped leather does not have a protective surface coating
of dye. It is therefore somewhat more prone to damage. You should
bear this in mind if children or pets often travel in the car, or if there
are other factors that could lead to damage.
Types of leather with a coloured surface coating are likely to be
more resistant to damage. This has a great advantage for day-to-day
use. However, this means that the typical natural characteristics of
the surface are less apparent, though this does not affect quality.
Cleaning and care
Because of the natural properties of the specially selected hides
employed, the finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease
and dirt, etc. so a degree of care is required in everyday use and
when looking after the leather. Dark clothing (especially if damp or
incorrectly dyed) may stain leather upholstery. Dust and grit in the
pores and seams can have an abrasive effect and damage the
surface of the leather. Therefore leather should be cleaned at
regular intervals, depending on the actual amount of use. When
they have been in use for a certain time, your car seats will acquire
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Checking and topping up fluids155
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Checking and topping up fluidsEngine lidOpening the engine lid
The engine lid is released from inside the vehicle.– Open the driver's door.
– Make sure that the rear spoiler is retracted ⇒page 134.
– To release the engine lid, pull the lever under the dash-
board ⇒fig. 115.
– Open the engine lid ⇒.The engine lid is held open by two gas-filled struts.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of being scalded, never open the engine lid if you
see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment.
Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
engine lid.
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components
in the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working in the engine compartment
(e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warn-
ings listed below and follow all normal safety precautions. The
engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous
area ⇒.
WARNING
•
Switch off the engine.
•
Apply the handbrake firmly.
•
Put the gear lever in neutral or the R tronic selector lever in N.
•
Remove the ignition key.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Keep children away from engine compartment.
•
Never spill fluids on hot engine components. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).
•
Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system,
especially when working on the battery.
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine
is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large,
thick rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
If any tests have to be performed with the engine running,
there is an extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
Fig. 115 Detail of foot-
well on driver's side:
Release lever
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Checking and topping up fluids 156drive belts and alternator, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition
system. •
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery
−Do not smoke
−Never work near open flames
−Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/ reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.Closing the engine lid– Make sure that the rear spoiler is retracted ⇒page 134.
– To close the engine lid, pull it down to overcome the
spring pressure.– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒.
WARNING
For safety reasons the engine lid must always be completely
closed when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check
that it is properly secured. The engine lid must be flush with the
adjacent body panels.Engine compartment layout
Main components for checking and refillingFig. 116 Typical locations of fluid containers, engine oil dipstick and engine oil
filler cap
Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler cap (

) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator expansion tank () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING (continued)
A1
136
A2
158
A3
157
A4
160
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Checking and topping up fluids157
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Engine oilGeneral notesWe recommend that you have the oil change carried out by an
Audi R8 dealership or qualified workshop according to the intervals
stated in the Service Schedule or according to the service interval
display in the instrument cluster.
Whether your vehicle is serviced at flexible service intervals or fixed
service intervals is shown in the Service Schedule.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in the Te c h -
nical data section ⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions”.
Check that the specifications quoted (VW standards) appear on the
container either singly or in combination with other specifications.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife Service*)
Special engine oils ⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions” have been developed as part of the Audi LongLife Service
(⇒“Service Schedule”).
This type of oil must be used if you intend to take advantage of the
extended maintenance intervals allowed by Audi's LongLife Service.•
Do not mix the LongLife oil with oil intended for fixed service
intervals, as the requirements for the extended service intervals are
then no longer guaranteed.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 157 and you cannot obtain the specified LongLife oil, you
can put in a small quantity of oil for fixed service intervals -
⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimensions”. This should
not be done more than once and no more than 0.5 litres should be
used.Fixed service intervals (Inspection Service*)
If you do not take advantage of the LongLife service for your car, you
can use the oils for fixed service intervals - ⇒page 198, “Perform-
ance, weights and dimensions”. In this case, your car must be serv-
iced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (10,000 miles) – see
Service Schedule.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 157 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification
ACEA A2 or ACEA A3. This should not be done more than once and
no more than 0.5 litres should be used.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 117 Instrument
cluster: Engine oil
temperature displayFig. 118 Markings on
oil dipstick
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Checking and topping up fluids 158
Checking oil level
– Warm up the engine by driving the vehicle until the oil
temperature shown in the instrument cluster is between
100 °C and 110 °C ⇒page 157, fig. 117.
– Park your vehicle on a level surface.
– Allow the warm engine to run for about two minutes at
idling speed.
– Switch off the engine and wait for two minutes.
– Check the oil level using the dipstick ⇒page 157,
fig. 118.
Oil level in area
–Do not top up oil.
Oil level in area
– Add 1 litre of oil ⇒page 158. After topping up the oil level
should be in area .Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is
used, oil consumption can be up to 1.0 ltr./1000 km. Oil consump-
tion is likely to be higher for the first 5000 km.
Topping up the engine oil

–Unscrew cap

from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 119.
– Top up carefully using the correct oil ⇒page 198.
– Check the oil level again ⇒page 157.
– Top up with oil if necessary.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick
all the way in.
WARNING
•
Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up: this could cause a fire.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine
oil.Caution
•
The oil level must never be above area , as this may result in
damage to the catalytic converter or to the engine. Contact a quali-
fied workshop to extract the engine oil if necessary.
AaAbAa
Fig. 119 Engine
compartment: Engine
oil filler cap
Aa
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