What Kind of Oil a 2021 Audi A3 Takes

The 2021 Audi A3 typically requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets Volkswagen/Audi specification VW 504 00 (for gasoline engines) or VW 507 00 (for diesels), most commonly in a 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 viscosity depending on the exact engine and market. In practice, owners should use a high-quality, fully synthetic oil carrying these VW approvals and check the owner’s manual or oil-cap label to confirm the exact grade.

Understanding the Audi A3 2021 Oil Requirements

The 2021 Audi A3 sits within the VW Group’s MQB platform and shares engines and lubrication standards with many Volkswagen models. While viscosity (such as 0W-20 or 5W-30) is important, Audi and VW primarily specify oil based on internal approvals (VW 504 00, 507 00, etc.), which combine viscosity, additive package, and performance standards to protect the engine and keep factory warranties intact.

Key Oil Specifications for the 2021 Audi A3

For the 2021 Audi A3, the most important factor is that the oil meets Audi/VW’s official specifications. These specs are designed for modern turbocharged engines, extended service intervals, and emissions equipment such as particulate filters and catalytic converters.

Common VW/Audi Oil Specifications

The following list outlines the most commonly relevant VW/Audi oil standards you will see for a 2021 A3 and what they typically apply to.

• VW 504 00: Long-life fully synthetic oil spec primarily for modern gasoline engines in Europe and many global markets; supports extended service intervals.
• VW 507 00: Long-life low-ash oil spec designed for many modern diesel engines with particulate filters; also supports extended service intervals.
• VW 508 00: Newer low-viscosity (often 0W-20) gasoline engine spec used on certain latest-generation engines; not as widely applied as 504 00 but increasingly common.
• VW 509 00: Companion spec to 508 00 for some diesel engines requiring 0W-20 and ultra-low-ash formulations.
• VW 502 00 / 505 00: Older but still supported standards for some gasoline (502 00) and diesel (505 00) engines, often for non–long-life or fixed-interval service regimes.

In practice, most 2021 Audi A3 gasoline engines will call for an oil that meets VW 504 00 (or VW 508 00 in some markets/variants), while diesel versions typically use VW 507 00 (or occasionally VW 509 00); checking the filler cap and manual is the safest way to confirm.

Typical Oil Viscosity Grades Used

Audi specifies viscosity ranges that account for engine design and climate. For the 2021 A3, fully synthetic oils in lighter grades are common because they support fuel economy and cold-start performance while still protecting turbocharged engines.

Most Common Viscosities for 2021 Audi A3

The list below gives an overview of viscosity grades you are likely to encounter for a 2021 Audi A3 and how they are typically applied.

• 0W-20: Increasingly used on some newer Audi/VW engines aligned with VW 508 00 / 509 00; optimized for fuel economy and low-temperature performance.
• 0W-30: Used in some markets as a long-life oil grade under VW 504 00 / 507 00, suitable for broad climate conditions.
• 5W-30: The most common grade in many regions for VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils; widely available from major brands and suitable across a wide temperature range.
• 5W-40: Sometimes allowed as an alternative where climate, driving conditions, or certain engine variants call for a slightly thicker hot viscosity, generally under VW 502 00 / 505 00.

While multiple viscosities can technically protect the engine, owners should prioritize the viscosity listed in the owner’s manual and confirmed by the VW spec on the bottle; mixing specifications or guessing based on viscosity alone can compromise performance and warranty coverage.

Gasoline vs. Diesel: What Your Engine Needs

The 2021 Audi A3 was sold with both gasoline and diesel engines in many markets (including Europe), while in markets like North America gasoline engines dominate. The exact oil requirement depends on which engine you have and what your manual states.

Gasoline Engines (TFSI)

Most 2021 Audi A3 gasoline models, such as the 1.5 TFSI or 2.0 TFSI, require a fully synthetic oil with VW 504 00 approval (or VW 508 00 on some latest-generation engines using 0W-20). These engines are turbocharged and direct-injected, meaning they rely heavily on stable, detergent-rich oils that resist breakdown and help mitigate issues like deposits and low-speed pre-ignition.

Diesel Engines (TDI)

Where diesel variants are sold, 2021 A3 TDI models generally specify a fully synthetic low-SAPS (low-ash) oil meeting VW 507 00 (or in some emerging cases, VW 509 00). These oils are formulated to protect diesel particulate filters and emissions systems while still supporting long service intervals, which can be up to around 30,000 km / 18,000 miles under “LongLife” service programs in some regions.

How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific A3

Although general guidelines are useful, the precise oil requirement can vary based on engine code, market, and service regime. Owners can confirm the exact oil in several ways.

Steps to Confirm the Right Oil

The following list outlines practical steps any 2021 Audi A3 owner can take to be absolutely sure they are using the correct oil.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine Oil” or “Specifications” section; it will list the exact VW standard (e.g., VW 504 00 / 507 00) and the preferred viscosity grade.
2. Read the oil filler cap: Many Audi models have the VW spec and sometimes the viscosity printed or molded on the cap or a nearby label.
3. Use the VIN at a dealer: An Audi dealer can input your Vehicle Identification Number and tell you the precise engine code and corresponding oil specification.
4. Use reputable online parts catalogs: Sites that let you enter your year, model, and engine type often cross-reference the correct VW oil standards.
5. Verify the label on the oil bottle: Ensure the bottle explicitly states “VW 504 00,” “VW 507 00,” or the appropriate VW spec; “meets or exceeds” generic claims are not enough if the exact approval is not printed.

Following these steps keeps you from relying on guesswork or generic recommendations and ensures that the oil you use matches Audi’s engineering and warranty expectations.

Suitable Brands and Products

Many major oil manufacturers produce fully synthetic oils with the required VW approvals. The key is not the brand name but whether the specific product carries the correct VW spec and viscosity for your A3.

Examples of Commonly Approved Oils

The following list gives examples of oil product lines that frequently carry VW 504 00 / 507 00 or related approvals; always confirm the exact spec on the individual bottle, as not every viscosity in a product line will be approved.

• Castrol EDGE / Castrol EDGE Professional with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval, often in 5W-30 and 0W-30 grades.
• Mobil 1 ESP (European Car Formula) versions carrying VW 504 00 / 507 00, commonly in 5W-30.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec oils designated for VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 508 00 / 509 00, depending on engine and country.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional formulations labeled with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals.
• TotalEnergies Quartz sequence oils that list VW 504 00 / 507 00 on the label for European-market A3s.

These examples are not exhaustive and availability varies by region, but they illustrate the kind of labeling you should look for: the crucial element is the printed VW approval, not just the viscosity or brand reputation.

Oil Change Interval Considerations

The oil type and specification also relate directly to service intervals. Audi uses different strategies depending on market and owner preference.

LongLife vs. Fixed Intervals

Some 2021 A3 models in Europe and other regions allow variable “LongLife” intervals, where the car’s onboard system calculates when oil service is due, often up to 30,000 km or two years. This setup requires approved long-life oils such as VW 504 00 / 507 00.

In many other markets, including much of North America, fixed intervals are more common, typically around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or one year, whichever comes first. Even in these markets, dealers still usually use VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved oils for consistency and protection, despite the shorter interval.

Consequences of Using the Wrong Oil

Using an oil that does not meet Audi’s specification can have both short- and long-term impacts. Turbocharged engines and modern emissions systems are sensitive to viscosity, detergency, and ash content.

Potential Issues from Incorrect Oil

The following list summarizes what can happen if a 2021 Audi A3 is filled with an oil that fails to meet VW standards.

• Accelerated engine wear: Inadequate film strength or incorrect viscosity can lead to increased friction and faster wear, especially in turbochargers and valvetrain components.
• Deposit formation: Poor-quality or non-approved oils can leave varnish and sludge, impacting timing components, oil passages, and turbo performance.
• Emissions system problems: High-ash or non-low-SAPS oils can damage catalytic converters or diesel particulate filters over time.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: Oils that are too thick or not engineered for the engine may increase internal drag and reduce economy.
• Warranty disputes: If engine damage occurs and the oil used is clearly outside Audi’s specified standards, warranty coverage may be questioned or denied.

For these reasons, matching both the viscosity and the official VW approval is more than a formality; it is a key part of preserving engine health and the vehicle’s long-term value.

Summary

A 2021 Audi A3 generally requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW’s own approval standards—most often VW 504 00 for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for diesels, typically in 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 viscosity depending on engine and region. Owners should verify the exact specification in the owner’s manual, on the oil filler cap, or via the VIN at an Audi dealer, and then choose a reputable brand whose bottle clearly lists the matching VW spec. Adhering to these requirements supports engine longevity, fuel efficiency, and compliance with warranty and emissions expectations.