What type of engine oil is suitable for the Audi A4?
2 Answers
Audi A4 uses engine oil with the specification 5W40. For routine maintenance and oil changes, you can opt for reputable brands such as Mobil, Shell, or Castrol. The official manual recommends using engine oil with a viscosity grade of ASE5W-40, which complies with Volkswagen standard 50200. The viscosity of engine oil varies with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high-temperature conditions. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity—5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, ensuring smoother cold starts for the vehicle. The second number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. A higher value indicates better viscosity retention under high temperatures, which can also be interpreted as superior lubrication performance in high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in an Audi A4 is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to cool down, allowing the oil to drain back into the oil pan. Use a wrench to loosen the drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to collect the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to drain any remaining oil from the main oil passages. Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter. Apply a thin layer of oil to the gasket of the new oil filter and hand-tighten it clockwise. Add new engine oil through the fill port on the engine valve cover. Typically, pour in about three-quarters of a standard oil container. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. Address any leaks if present. After turning off the engine, pull out the dipstick to ensure the oil level is within the standard range.
My Audi A4 has been using 5W-30 full synthetic oil, with specific brands like Shell or Castrol being good choices, as long as they meet the Volkswagen VW 502.00 standard. The engine runs exceptionally smooth. I always check the owner's manual, which recommends viscosity grades like 0W-20 or 5W-30. Newer models tend to favor lower viscosity for fuel efficiency, while older cars might need thicker oil. Don't underestimate the importance of choosing the right oil type—using the wrong one long-term can accelerate engine wear. I recommend changing it every 8,000 kilometers. Additionally, seasons affect the choice; using 0W series in winter when temperatures are low makes starting easier. I always remind my friends to stick to regular maintenance—preventing problems is much cheaper than repairing them.
