Excuse what is probably a basic question, but I'm the first to acknowledge my lack of knowledge (which is why I'm here)...
I have a 2003 A4 3.0 Quattro that calls for synthetic 0w-30, or 5w-30, 5w-40 according to the manual.
What are the risks if an oil change place goes with synthetic Mobil1 10w-30? Will this cause a significant loss of power, or worse, cause any engine damage? Temps during the lifetime of this oil change are moderately cold, i.e. not artic, but not warm (northeast USA).

Thanks for any help!

 

you could call a local dealer, and ask what kind of oil they use! I do not think it would be significant at all it is not that high of a change! But I would still call the local dealer and ask what they would use in your climate!

 

Hello... first of all welcome to the site!

Here is a little background on what the heck all those numbers really mean.

First of all the "w" in 0w-30, 5w-30, 5w-40 refers to winter.

The number before it represents the viscosity of the oil. Viscosity in this case means the speed in which the oil flows through the same sized hole all oils are tested through. I'm not exactly sure what size hole they use for testing, but it's not too big.

The lower the number is, the more viscous the oil is, or the more it flows through the hole at winter temperatures. The higher the number is before the "w" the more solid the oil is and the slower it flows through the hole in winter temperatures.

The second number is the viscous performance of the oil in regular temperatures and operating temperatures. The engine basically needs thin oil when starting and thicker oil when hot. This is due to parts expanding when they reach operating temperature.

If I were you I would go with 5w-30 instead of 10w-30. Definitely Mobil 1. This is the recommendation based on colder start-up temperatures. This way, cross your fingers, wear and tear on your engine will be minimized.

 

coles notes: Your car will not have any performance trouble or suffer a mechanical breakdown as a result of using 10w-30. However using 5w-30 or 0w-30 will prolong the life of your engine.

 

Great, thanks for your explanation & suggestion.

 

Black_RS4,
That information is helpful - thank you! This has been a great place to hang out and get tidbits of information. Actually, I can't believe how much everyone here seems to know about the mechanics & performance of most every Audi part available. Keep up the great work!!!

 

no problem guys, glad to help out...

 

Thats some good info to be known.