So, just got my first oil analysis, and there are some high copper and tin readings noted. This was the 1st OCI that RLI was used in the car. Dealership Castrol was always used before.
The OCI wasn’t 10,000km as noted in the report, more closer to a little over 8000km. (not miles)
The car is predominantly highway driven, rarely used for short trips.
Just wondering if anyone has some input as to possibly why the high copper and tin values with low to normal lead values.
Since it is the first oil analysis I think it would be mostly rough speculation to say what might have caused the above normal contamination. I would drain all the oil, flush, refill and resample at normal interval and see how the results compare.
edit: Also, how was the sample taken?
The tech took it at Audi, and the service guy said he did it properly but honestly, who knows. I have read that when you change to a different oil (which was done after 73000km of using the same Castrol) there can be unusual levels of certain elements.
This can be true, and also the sampling method is important.
Usually when you change oils you want to thoroughly flush out the system, although there are oils that are considered highly compatible and the manufacturers claim that flushing is not needed.
For the sample don’t they go midstream?
I always do it midstream. In its special container .
I don’t know what the standard procedure Audi uses is, but I would hope something like that. Also the oil should be taken when the oil is close to operating temperature and has been well circulated, immediately after shutting down I suppose is the best option.
Blaskstone Labs provides instructions and a container for the sample. Just do it your self next time and know it was done right.