oil AUDI R8 2007 Owner's Manual

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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Checking and topping up fluids159
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused
by the use of such additives would not be covered by the factory
warranty.For the sake of the environment
•
Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
•
Always observe statutory requirements when disposing of
empty oil canisters.
Cooling systemCoolant
The purpose of the coolant is to carry heat away from the
engine. The correct amount of anti-freeze is important to
prevent the cooling system from freezing in winter.The cooling system is filled for life at the factory, so the coolant does
not need to be changed. The coolant consists of a mixture of water
and anti-freeze additive G12++. This is a glycol-based anti-freeze
with anti-corrosion additives.
Anti-freeze additive
The amount of anti-freeze additive required depends on the temper-
atures to be expected in the winter season. If the anti-freeze concen-
tration is too low the coolant can freeze, resulting in failure of the
cooling system and heater.
The cooling system is filled at the factory with the correct amount of
anti-freeze for the country concerned.
In most cases the mixture consists of 60% water and 40% additive.
This mixture gives the required anti-freeze protection at tempera-
tures down to – 25 °C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling
system against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and raises the
boiling point of the coolant.Countries with warm climate
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding plain
water, even in the summer or in warm climates. The concentration
of the anti-freeze additive must always be at least 40%.
Countries with cold climate
If greater anti-freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the
proportion of the anti-freeze additive G12++ can be increased. A
concentration of 60% offers protection down to about -40 °C. The
concentration of the anti-freeze additive must not be more than
60%, otherwise this would reduce the anti-freeze protection. In addi-
tion, the cooling effect will be adversely affected.
Vehicles for export to countries with a cold climate (such as Sweden,
Norway and Finland) are supplied with antifreeze protection down
to about -35 °C. The concentration of the antifreeze additive for
these countries should always be at least 50%.
Caution
•
It is advisable to have the cooling system checked before the
winter season to make sure that the anti-freeze concentration is
adequate for the conditions to be expected. This applies particularly
if you intend to take the car into a colder climate zone. If necessary,
have the anti-freeze concentration increased to 50 - 60% as required.
•
Use only antifreeze additive G12++, an additive meeting the
specification “TL-VW 774G”. Other additives may give considerably
inferior corrosion protection. The resulting corrosion in the cooling
system can lead to a loss of coolant, causing serious damage to the
engine.
•
The coolant additive G12++ must not be mixed with any other
additives.
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Checking and topping up fluids 160Checking coolant level
Be careful when checking the coolant.– Switch off the ignition.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank with a cloth, and
carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒.
– Read off the coolant level on the inside of the radiator
expansion tank ⇒fig. 120. When the engine is cold it
must be above the “min” mark. When the engine is hot it
may be slightly above the marked area.The expansion tank is located in the engine compartment on the
right. Its location is also shown in the illustration of the engine
compartment ⇒page 156.
The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 35. However, we recommend that it should be
checked occasionally.
Coolant losses
Any loss of coolant normally indicates a leak in the cooling system.
In this case the cooling system should be inspected by a qualified workshop without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the
coolant.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant can only occur
if the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of
overheating.
WARNING
•
The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap
on the expansion tank when the engine is hot: you could be
scalded by escaping steam
•
The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store
the coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children – risk of poisoning.Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the coolant– Add coolant.
– Turn the cap clockwise until it engages.Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 159, “Coolant”. Do not use a different type of additive if anti-
freeze additive G12++ is not available. In this case use only water
and bring the coolant concentration back up to the correct level as
soon as possible by putting in the specified additive.
Always top up with fresh, unused coolant.
Fill up only to the top edge of the marked area. Excess coolant is
forced out of the system through the valve in the filler cap when the
engine gets hot.
Fig. 120 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on radiator expan-
sion tank
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Checking and topping up fluids161
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down
before putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in
serious engine damage.
WARNING
The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store the
coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children – risk of poisoning.
For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used
coolant into a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper
manner (observe environmental regulations).Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The radiator fan is powered electrically. The speed of the fan is
varied according to the temperature registered by a thermostat.
The radiator fan or auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as
10 minutes after stopping the engine – even after the ignition is
switched off. It may also start running suddenly after a while if•
residual heat raises the coolant temperature, or
•
the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the
sun.
Brake fluidNote
When required, the brake fluid should be changed by a
competent mechanic with the proper equipment.Brake fluid gradually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. If the
water content in the brake fluid is too high, this may cause corrosion
in the brake system over time. In addition, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect
the braking ability in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has
to be changed.
The brake fluid is replaced by your Audi R8 dealer as part of the
Inspection Service. They are familiar with the procedure and have
the necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper
facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Qualified
workshops know that the brake fluid “DOT 4” is approved by Audi.
The brake fluid must be fresh and unused.
WARNING
Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the
efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the car – risk of
accident.
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Wheels and tyres 166Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notes–When driving with new tyres, be especially careful during
the first 500 km.
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive
very slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the
kerb.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or
blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign bodies embedded in
the treads.
– Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immedi-
ately.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Replace any missing valve caps as soon as possible.
– Mark the wheels before taking them off so that they
rotate in the same direction when put back.
– When removed, the wheels or tyres should be stored in a
cool, dry and preferably dark place.New tyres
New tyres do not give maximum grip straight away and should
therefore be “run in” by driving carefully and at moderate speeds for
about the first 500 km. This will also help to make the tyres last
longer.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and
make of tyre and the tread pattern.Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice
unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate
that one of the tyres is damaged. Reduce speed immediately if there
is any reason to suspect that damage may have occurred. Inspect
the tyres for damage. If no external damage is visible, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and have the car
inspected.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread. Always note the direction of rotation
indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip
and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Wheels with bolted rim flange*
Light-alloy wheels with a bolted rim flange consist of several
components. A special technique is applied to bolt these compo-
nents together. Apart from safety and true running this also ensures
that the wheel functions correctly and that there is no leakage.
Damaged rims must therefore be replaced; you must never attempt
to repair or dismantle them ⇒.
Wheels with bolted trim parts*
Light-alloy wheels can be fitted with interchangeable trim parts
which are attached to the rim using self-locking bolts. Should you
wish to replace damaged trim parts please contact a qualified work-
shop.
WARNING
Never remove the bolts on a wheel with bolted rim flange* (acci-
dent risk).
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Self-help179
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Your vehicle is equipped with a tyre repair kit: the Tyre Mobility
System (TMS).
In the event of a puncture you will find the TMS, which consists of a
sealing compound and an electric compressor, located under the
floor panel in the luggage compartment.
The TMS will reliably seal tyres damaged by foreign bodies,
provided that the cuts or punctures are no larger than approx. 4 mm
in diameter.
It is not necessary to remove the foreign body from the tyre.
The sealing compound must not be used:
•
on cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm ⇒page 178, fig. 124
•
if the wheel rim has been damaged
•
if you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely
flat tyre .
How to use the TMS is described in the section Repairing a tyre
⇒page 180.
The TMS can be used at outside temperatures down to – 20 °C.
WARNING
After repairing a tyre please note the following points:•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering.
•
Vehicle handling could be impaired.
•
Tyres which have been sealed using the TMS are only suitable
for temporary use. Damaged tyres must be renewed. Therefore,
please drive carefully to the next available qualified workshop.
•
The TMS must NOT be used,
−on cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm
−if the wheel rim has been damaged
−if you have been driving with very low pressure or a
completely flat tyre
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is
not possible with the sealing compound.
•
Do not allow the sealant to come into contact with your eyes,
skin or clothing.
•
If you do come into contact with the sealant immediately rinse
the eyes or skin affected with clean water.
•
Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the tyre
sealant.
•
Make sure you do not breathe in the fumes!
•
If any of the tyre sealant is accidentally ingested, immediately
rinse the mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water.
−Do not induce vomiting. Immediately contact a doctor!
•
If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immedi-
ately.
•
Keep the sealant away from children.For the sake of the environment
Used sealing compound cans should be disposed of at a proper
facility.
Note
•
If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. When it has dried, you
can pull it off like a piece of foil.
•
Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can.
Have the sealing compound exchanged by a qualified workshop.
A1
A2
A3
WARNING (continued)
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Self-help 182
Note•
Do not use the compressor for longer than 8 minutes at a time,
as it could overheat. When the compressor has cooled down, you
can use it again.
•
If tyre sealant should leak out, leave it to dry and then pull it off
like foil.
Final checkAfter covering a short distance it is necessary to check the
tyre pressure
– After about 10 minutes stop to check the tyre pressure.
– If tyre pressure is still at least 1.3 bar, pump the tyre up
to the pressure specified (see driver's door pillar) and
drive to the nearest workshop to have the tyre and the
tyre sealant can replaced.
– If tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar, the tyre is too badly
damaged. Do not drive on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
WARNING
If tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar after driving about 10 minutes,
the tyre is too badly damaged. Do not drive on. You should obtain
professional assistance.
Note
After carrying out repairs to a tyre, have the tyre sealant can
replaced by a qualified dealer. This will ensure that the Tyre Mobility
System is operative again.
Changing a wheelTyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern must be mounted so
that they rotate in the correct direction.A directional tread pattern is identified by arrows on the sidewall
pointing in the forward running direction. Always note the direction
of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This is important so
that these tyres can give maximum grip and avoid excessive noise,
tread wear and aquaplaning.Applies to vehicles: with anti-theft wheel boltsAnti-theft wheel bolts
A special adapter is required to turn the anti-theft wheel
bolts.– Insert the adapter completely into the anti-theft wheel
bolt .
– F i t t h e b o x s p a n n e r as fa r as i t w i l l g o o v e r t h e a d a p t e r .
– Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt ⇒page 185.
Fig. 127 Anti-theft
wheel bolt with
adapter
A2
A1
A2
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