Ask an expert

1997 Audi A4 2.6 Sedan, when I start the engine, there is a word "OIL" beneath odometer reading flashing for a while in the position of distance reading. When I am driving, the distance reading came out, and the word "OIL" disappeared.
What does this mean? What should I do for it? Many thanks in advanced!

While this may well be a normal condition the people I have spoken to are all reluctant to confirm this in your case.

You need to take the car into your preferred repairer or a garage who specialise in these vehicles to have this checked out.

This is a reminder that the car is due for an oil service. There is a series of steps to go through to cancel the warning message after the service is done. I would recommend you change the filter at the same time. If you opt to use a cheaper oil than specified, like a cheap 15W40 then shorten the interval between changes. Your handbook should have a schedule for other servicing, like changing/washing air filter, changing cabin filter, etc etc

Many thanks, Kevin.
I service this car regularly, just had a AA silver service for it. What you mentioned shoud be included. Can you please tell me the specified oil rather than elf 10w30 which AA uses for such service? thanks!
Ralph

http://www.vaglinks.com/Docs/Misc/Audi_VW502-00_VW505%2001_OilQualityStandards.pdf gives you a list of American specced oils, basically, Synthetic 5W40, some 0W40 Specified interval is 12k and filter at 24k.
I cheat and use 15W40 non synthetic and change at max 10k with filter. I suppose a 10W40 would also be better but my historic knowledge tells me that would depend a little on your Winter low temperatures. Of course the synthetic police will likely disagree.

Thanks for your information, I hope it goes with the end of winter! I couldn't find anything relevant to the oil, I used Volvline before AA silver service.