NEEEEEEED Advise..Simple question...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
NEEEEEEED Advise..Simple question...
Hey forum experts,
I've got a simple question. I live in Ca, bought the car from Wi. Its a 99 coupe, A4, 2.73, Black/Black, All stock.
There are a couple of things I'd like to do, before the weather clears up here. #1. What all do you recommend I do as far as maintanence is concerned. Car has 17K miles. I'm thinking all the oils, plugs, etc..What brands..etc. ANY and ALL info appreciated.
#2. I'd like to get it washed from the bottom and inside wheel wells, hinges, etc, to remove all that salt/dirt, from the long drive (WI to CA). How can I do that?
#3. There are products like Engine Brite by Gunk, and many other manufacturers. Do you suggest using something like this to clean the Engine etc? Its kinda dirty under the hood. I'm scared to use these products cuz you gotta wash them off with water. I don't like using water under the hood...
Suggestions Please....
Thanks in advance...
I've got a simple question. I live in Ca, bought the car from Wi. Its a 99 coupe, A4, 2.73, Black/Black, All stock.
There are a couple of things I'd like to do, before the weather clears up here. #1. What all do you recommend I do as far as maintanence is concerned. Car has 17K miles. I'm thinking all the oils, plugs, etc..What brands..etc. ANY and ALL info appreciated.
#2. I'd like to get it washed from the bottom and inside wheel wells, hinges, etc, to remove all that salt/dirt, from the long drive (WI to CA). How can I do that?
#3. There are products like Engine Brite by Gunk, and many other manufacturers. Do you suggest using something like this to clean the Engine etc? Its kinda dirty under the hood. I'm scared to use these products cuz you gotta wash them off with water. I don't like using water under the hood...
Suggestions Please....
Thanks in advance...
Last edited by Vette_Fan; Mar 23, 2005 at 04:04 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 1
From: Tampa FL
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan
Hey forum experts,
I've got a simple question. I live in Ca, bought the car from Wi. Its a 99 coupe, A4, 2.73, Black/Black, All stock.
There are a couple of things I'd like to do, before the weather clears up here. #1. What all do you recommend I do as far as maintanence is concerned. Car has 17K miles. I'm thinking all the oils, plugs, etc..What brands..etc. ANY and ALL info appreciated.
#2. I'd like to get it washed from the bottom and inside wheel wells, hinges, etc, to remove all that salt/dirt, from the long drive (WI to CA). How can I do that?
#3. There are products like Engine Brite by Gunk, and many other manufacturers. Do you suggest using something like this to clean the Engine etc? Its kinda dirty under the hood. I'm scared to use these products cuz you gotta wash them off with water. I don't like using water under the hood...
Suggestions Please....
Thanks in advance...
I've got a simple question. I live in Ca, bought the car from Wi. Its a 99 coupe, A4, 2.73, Black/Black, All stock.
There are a couple of things I'd like to do, before the weather clears up here. #1. What all do you recommend I do as far as maintanence is concerned. Car has 17K miles. I'm thinking all the oils, plugs, etc..What brands..etc. ANY and ALL info appreciated.
#2. I'd like to get it washed from the bottom and inside wheel wells, hinges, etc, to remove all that salt/dirt, from the long drive (WI to CA). How can I do that?
#3. There are products like Engine Brite by Gunk, and many other manufacturers. Do you suggest using something like this to clean the Engine etc? Its kinda dirty under the hood. I'm scared to use these products cuz you gotta wash them off with water. I don't like using water under the hood...
Suggestions Please....
Thanks in advance...
#2) The best way to clean things are either compressed air or go through part by part removing them, cleaning them with either 409 or simple green
#3) again the best way to clean things are to remove them, clean them , and reassemble them .. i've done this on mine every 15k or so and at 50k it still looks like it came from the factory.
congrats on the ride btw.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,414
Likes: 24,799
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Change your coolant unless it has documentation that it has been done. Check the belts, air filter, etc. I'd use the Mobil 1 oil (5W30) as it is recommended by the manufacturer.
To wash the wheel wells and underside, just take it to a self service car wash and use their pressure wand to really get those areas clean.
Simple Green on the engine is fine - don't know how dirty it is. If just minor dirt, try spraying it on a rag and wiping it down that way.
Good luck and congrats on the car.
To wash the wheel wells and underside, just take it to a self service car wash and use their pressure wand to really get those areas clean.
Simple Green on the engine is fine - don't know how dirty it is. If just minor dirt, try spraying it on a rag and wiping it down that way.
Good luck and congrats on the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 39
From: Central NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'08-'10
Ditto on the previous reply. Make sure the original Dexcool coolant is flushed and replaced. It gets ugly after a few years. You can (carefully) use water under the hood, just don't blast it with any high pressure, and try to avoid soaking the electronics and connectors. Hand cleaning is the best way to go. Good luck with your C5.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,208
Likes: 2
From: Rochester MN
CI 5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
NCM Ambassador
with low mileage like that it would be common to think that not much should be done with fluids, but IMHO I would be going through all of them. Brake/clutch/power steering fluids all collect mositure and other gunk even when it is not running. If you check the manual closely I think you will see that they recommend fluids be changed for age as well as for mileage.
You should have stopped by here on your way out of WI....
You should have stopped by here on your way out of WI....
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Come on guys, more ppl need to reply. I see you're all reading it, but very few are sharing their knowledge... 
I've got another question, I see a "low coolant" sign on my DIC. Yet the car has only 17K and doesn't show its low on coolant in the bottle. Go on, share more... How DO YOU maintain your cars...? WHAT products, brand do you use..?
Thanks for teaching a newbie..
I've got another question, I see a "low coolant" sign on my DIC. Yet the car has only 17K and doesn't show its low on coolant in the bottle. Go on, share more... How DO YOU maintain your cars...? WHAT products, brand do you use..?
Thanks for teaching a newbie..
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan
Come on guys, more ppl need to reply. I see you're all reading it, but very few are sharing their knowledge...
I've got another question, I see a "low coolant" sign on my DIC. Yet the car has only 17K and doesn't show its low on coolant in the bottle. Go on, share more... How DO YOU maintain your cars...? WHAT products, brand do you use..?
Thanks for teaching a newbie..
I've got another question, I see a "low coolant" sign on my DIC. Yet the car has only 17K and doesn't show its low on coolant in the bottle. Go on, share more... How DO YOU maintain your cars...? WHAT products, brand do you use..?
Thanks for teaching a newbie..
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
Likes: 9
From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
What part of CA are you in? I'd be more than happy to lend you a hand when it gets here. I'm no expert, but I can help you maintain her. There a million products and preferences accompanying those products. Depends on what you like (past experience)
17K in nothing for mileage. Plugs, and all that should be ok. If you're worried about salt exposure, I would think you could go with the same rinse I used on my jet skis when I rode in salt water. It's not acidic and safe on plastic. You could rinse the under carriage without a problem.
Cleaning the engine might not be necessary. Maybe just vacuum and wipe it off. I'd have to see what you have going on.
Just do one thing at a time ... you have a work in progress on your hands. Congrats!
Dave Q.
There a million products and preferences accompanying those products. Depends on what you like (past experience)17K in nothing for mileage. Plugs, and all that should be ok. If you're worried about salt exposure, I would think you could go with the same rinse I used on my jet skis when I rode in salt water. It's not acidic and safe on plastic. You could rinse the under carriage without a problem.
Cleaning the engine might not be necessary. Maybe just vacuum and wipe it off. I'd have to see what you have going on.
Just do one thing at a time ... you have a work in progress on your hands. Congrats!
Dave Q.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Country Boys Can Survive.
Originally Posted by MyVetteDream
What part of CA are you in? I'd be more than happy to lend you a hand when it gets here. I'm no expert, but I can help you maintain her. There a million products and preferences accompanying those products. Depends on what you like (past experience)
17K in nothing for mileage. Plugs, and all that should be ok. If you're worried about salt exposure, I would think you could go with the same rinse I used on my jet skis when I rode in salt water. It's not acidic and safe on plastic. You could rinse the under carriage without a problem.
Cleaning the engine might not be necessary. Maybe just vacuum and wipe it off. I'd have to see what you have going on.
Just do one thing at a time ... you have a work in progress on your hands. Congrats!
Dave Q.
There a million products and preferences accompanying those products. Depends on what you like (past experience)17K in nothing for mileage. Plugs, and all that should be ok. If you're worried about salt exposure, I would think you could go with the same rinse I used on my jet skis when I rode in salt water. It's not acidic and safe on plastic. You could rinse the under carriage without a problem.
Cleaning the engine might not be necessary. Maybe just vacuum and wipe it off. I'd have to see what you have going on.
Just do one thing at a time ... you have a work in progress on your hands. Congrats!
Dave Q.
One thing I CAN add. I live in NW Wisconsin. I don't make a habit of driving in the winter, especially on snowy, slushy, obviously salty roads. However, I have driven several times in the winter since I've owned it. I have Kwik-lift ramps and continually inspect the underneath of the car. I've NEVER seen corrosion! In other words IMHO, you can take your time, your car won't be eaten away!!! I highly recommend the Kwik-lift Ramps. Another forum member turned me on to them and I've never regretted buyng them. I agree with the above though, your probably going to get REAL intimate with your new Vette!!! Congrats!!! 
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,702
Likes: 76
From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Originally Posted by Red_Racer
OK...you might try looking at "Car Care Products" also on this forum. They have lots of tips on how to care for the appearance of the car.
ALso, Theres a "Ton" of posts on various issues related to your questions. Use the Search feature for specific questions. FInally, here is a good link to go to for info:http://www.idavette.net/
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Originally Posted by MyVetteDream
What part of CA are you in? I'd be more than happy to lend you a hand when it gets here. I'm no expert, but I can help you maintain her. There a million products and preferences accompanying those products. Depends on what you like (past experience)
17K in nothing for mileage. Plugs, and all that should be ok. If you're worried about salt exposure, I would think you could go with the same rinse I used on my jet skis when I rode in salt water. It's not acidic and safe on plastic. You could rinse the under carriage without a problem.
Cleaning the engine might not be necessary. Maybe just vacuum and wipe it off. I'd have to see what you have going on.
Just do one thing at a time ... you have a work in progress on your hands. Congrats!
Dave Q.
There a million products and preferences accompanying those products. Depends on what you like (past experience)17K in nothing for mileage. Plugs, and all that should be ok. If you're worried about salt exposure, I would think you could go with the same rinse I used on my jet skis when I rode in salt water. It's not acidic and safe on plastic. You could rinse the under carriage without a problem.
Cleaning the engine might not be necessary. Maybe just vacuum and wipe it off. I'd have to see what you have going on.
Just do one thing at a time ... you have a work in progress on your hands. Congrats!
Dave Q.
Anyhow, thanks for all the tips. I'm not sure what those ramps are that another member was talking about. But I'll try and do and under wash with a spray of simple green, and then water blast from a local place, where you put in coins and use the spray gun. Unfortunately they don't have any ramps there, so hard to get underneath. I can't believe there's no place around here where they can jack up your car on ramps and spary wash it under presure. 
. I think for now I'm gonna change my engine oil as needed (every 3K miles, Mobil1, 10-30 cuz of warm Ca weather). Later I'd like to change the Trani (A4) Oil and filter with Redline, and rear diff also with Redline. Though it has to be professionally done, cuz I don't know how to change those oils and hard to get deep under the car. I'm also thinking flushing the radiator, need tips on that. And then fill it with Dexcool/Distilled water/Redline water wetter. These are some basic things I'd like to to before the summer. How do you guys feel about it? Plz advise me, if you think I'm doing anythig that I shouldn't.Thanks in advance...
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: tulsa, ok usa
www.kwiklift.com
check out their website
I have had my kwiklift now for 5 or 6 years.
Could NOT live without it !!
check out their website
I have had my kwiklift now for 5 or 6 years.
Could NOT live without it !!