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I reckon white smoke rules out electrical insulation burning because that would be brown, so that leaves exhaust fumes and scorched glycol (coolant). If the exhaust is leaking to the extent of filling the cabin with fumes I would expect you to be able to hear a lot more exhaust clatter than normal, and possibly even see or hear the gas escaping if you put your head under the car. Is that so? If the cooling system is leaking I would expect a need to top up the radiator header tank frequently, and possibly overheating of the engine. Is that so?

Hi take the rear light units out and check for power to the brake light bulb, with the aid of an assistant to press the pedal, no power will probably mean the switch on the pedal is faulty.

The oil grade will depend on the climate it is to be used in, so there no one single grade of oil that is ideal around the world, hence the need to consult Audi in your country of use. I have never seen any oil data stickers on cars in Britain, either under the bonnet or elsewhere on the car. Perhaps that is a uniquely American practice. As Magnet mentioned, get the information from Audi.

Thanks Allan. As with all ‘comparison tests’, the question which needs to be asked is -who is funding/sponsoring the test? My comments were really aimed at a better understanding of the much-used, and disliked, broad brush term ‘ditch finder’. I think anyone who fits budget tyres to a vehicle which they drive enthusiastically is indeed taking a higher risk than they would by buying well researched premium grades. However, if your diving style is not-getting-anywhere-in-a-hurry, then I wouldn’t automatically dismiss all budget tyres. My point which might have been helpful to other members who drive as the last paragraph is that, of budget brands, Accelera has given me all round satisfaction for my requirements. Kind regards, Gareth.