Suggestions for keeping your RS4 in tip-top form

[PetrolDave]

Check and set the correct tyre pressures regularly.

What are the correct pressures on standard rims?

As shown on the label you can see when you open the drivers door!

Shows the pressures for 18" and 19" rims, and summer and winter tyres, and part and full laden - so all the numbers you need are there!

[Timster]

Theres a sticker with correct pressures.... just inside the door !

Edit.... Snap

[wolfgang]

Here's a quick tip for the tyre pressure sticker for those who aren't as flexible as they used to be (like me, LOL!): take a high-resolution photograph of the sticker with a decent camera and store it as a JPG file on your computer and then print it out on A4 paper and keep a copy in the car. That way you'll have easy access to the tyre pressure settings.

[rs4nick]

Whats best to use to lubricate exhaust flap linkages? WD40? And is it just a case of point and squirt up the exhaust (if you pardon the expression

[wolfgang]

Use Autosol to shine the chrome exhaust tips.

[mark758]

Use Autosol to shine the chrome exhaust tips.

If after 10 minutes of frenzied buffing you cannot see any improvement check your exhaust tips for satin black finish....

;-D

[ArthurPE]

Drive it as an every day car. Let it warm up gently to full engine temperature and then take it for long runs using the full rev range including some motorway driving. And don't be afraid to give the brakes some punishment either every now and again.

+1

warm up and load application are critical
engine, clutch, gearboxes, etc.

put it on a lift in the spring and powerwash the chassis

[neckarsulm]

re exhaust linkage lubrication, I use a type of spray lube but I imagine 3 in 1 oil is a bit more durable, just don't over do it!
You could rub some grease on the linkage instead but could attract crud.

[ginandjuice]

Top of the list .....keep the wife out of it!

[adsgreen]

Whats best to use to lubricate exhaust flap linkages? WD40? And is it just a case of point and squirt up the exhaust (if you pardon the expression

Wd40 is not great as a lubricant and even worse has degreasant properties and will break down any existing lubricant.
As above there are far better products - bike chain spray lube is ideal as it is long lasting, water resistant and importantly isn't as susceptible at attracting dirt that causes additional wear.

Totally agree with use of the rev range. It's very easy with such a nice engine to use the low down torque and sit below 2k rpm. It's much better to use that as an absolute minimum.

As for brakes - you will do far more damage by underusing them than being aggressive. It's very easy to be light on the brakes as they are so strong but this will cause high spots and lead to wobble/warping symptoms. You don't need to threshold brake everytime just be firm and not ride the brake too long and too light.

[Steve_C]

Totally agree with use of the rev range. It's very easy with such a nice engine to use the low down torque and sit below 2k rpm. It's much better to use that as an absolute minimum.

As for brakes - you will do far more damage by underusing them than being aggressive. It's very easy to be light on the brakes as they are so strong but this will cause high spots and lead to wobble/warping symptoms. You don't need to threshold brake everytime just be firm and not ride the brake too long and too light.

Do you think a magistrate will accept these reasons in mitigation?

[adsgreen]

Can but only try

[rs4nick]

Sorry for my ignorance but where are the exhaust linkages for lubrication? Thx

[SimonG]

Slightly off thread , in the wheel arches there are 'plastic covers'.

The front ones are held tight to the metal arch by a clip at 12 oclock
The rears do not have them and a gap exists towards the top.
I've only noticed as I cleared the arches out this morning of ice and snow .
Is this correct?
Secondly once all this snow has gone what is the recommended way to clean the underside- as a daily drive it has been out in all weathers this week
Cheers

[neckarsulm]

Sorry for my ignorance but where are the exhaust linkages for lubrication? Thx

Each big oval exhaust tailpipe has two smaller round pipes set within it (kneel down with a torch and have a look!).
On each side of the car one of these 2 has a flap which opens and closes depending on whether Sport mode is on or off.
The flaps are open by vacuum diaphragms on the inner side of the tailpipes which are connected to the flaps via linkages.
Because of their postion it's easy for the linkage to get covered in crud and seize up.