What Kind of Oil a 2021 Audi Takes

A 2021 Audi typically requires full-synthetic motor oil that meets Audi/VW’s own specification—most commonly VW 508 00/509 00 (0W-20) or VW 502 00 (often 5W-40 or 5W-30), depending on the exact engine. The correct oil type is not one single answer for all 2021 Audis: it depends on the model and engine code, and you should always verify against the owner’s manual or official Audi documentation.

Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Oil for a 2021 Audi

The 2021 model year spans a wide range of Audi vehicles—from the A3 and Q3 up to the S and RS performance lines—each with different engines, emissions systems, and service intervals. Audi (via Volkswagen Group) uses strict internal oil specifications rather than just generic viscosity labels. This means that while two oils might both be “0W-20,” only one may actually meet the required VW 508 00 standard.

The Core Audi/VW Oil Specifications for 2021 Models

For 2021, Audi largely standardized around a few key VW oil specs, especially for newer gasoline engines. Understanding these codes is the foundation for choosing the right oil for your car.

Most Common Specs for 2021 Audi Gasoline Engines

The following list outlines the VW specifications most frequently required for 2021 Audi gasoline engines and how they are typically used.

• VW 508 00 / 509 00 (0W-20): The primary spec for many newer 2.0 TFSI and some 3.0 TFSI engines in 2021. Low-viscosity, long-life oil designed for fuel efficiency and extended service intervals.
• VW 502 00 (usually 5W-40 or 5W-30): A long-established spec used on some carryover or higher-performance applications where Audi wants a slightly thicker oil film, or markets/conditions where 0W-20 isn’t specified.
• VW 504 00 / 507 00 (often 5W-30): Primarily a long-drain, low-ash oil spec that appears more often in Europe and for certain engines; in North America, 504/507 is less common but may be specified for some powertrains.

These codes matter more than the brand name or even the headline viscosity. If an oil doesn’t explicitly state the VW spec (e.g., 508 00/509 00) on the label or in its technical data sheet, it should not be treated as approved for that engine, regardless of similar viscosity.

Specs for Diesel and Performance Applications

Some 2021 Audis—particularly in Europe and other markets—use diesel or high-performance engines that rely on different oil approvals and tolerances.

• VW 507 00 (low-SAPS diesel oil, often 5W-30): Common for newer TDI diesel engines, designed to protect particulate filters (DPF) and emissions equipment.
• VW 511 00 (where specified): Newer-generation low-SAPS diesel spec starting to appear on recent models in some markets, but usage is still narrower than 507 00.
• High-performance S/RS engines: Often use versions of VW 502 00 or an approved long-life oil suited to higher heat loads; exact spec depends on engine and market. The owner’s manual and under-hood label are critical references.

Because diesel and performance engines place higher demands on their oil—heat, soot loading, turbocharger stress—it is particularly risky to substitute an oil based on viscosity alone without the correct VW approval.

Typical Oil Requirements by 2021 Audi Model (North American Focus)

While final confirmation must come from your manual or dealer, many 2021 Audi models in North America follow some clear patterns in oil choice driven by engine family and emissions rules.

Popular 2021 Audi Models and Their Usual Oil Types

The following list gives a general, journalistic overview of what you are likely to find specified for major 2021 Audi lines, assuming standard gasoline engines and U.S./Canada market norms.

• 2021 Audi A3 / S3:
  

  • A3 2.0 TFSI (gas): Typically VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20 full-synthetic.
  • S3 2.0 TFSI (higher output): Often VW 502 00, usually 5W-40 fully synthetic, though specific engine code and market can shift this.

• 2021 Audi A4 / A4 allroad / S4:
  

  • A4 2.0 TFSI (gas): Commonly VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20.
  • A4 allroad 2.0 TFSI: Same as A4 sedan in most cases—VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20.
  • S4 3.0 TFSI V6: Frequently specified with VW 502 00 (often 5W-40), due to higher thermal loads.

• 2021 Audi A5 / S5 / RS 5:
  

  • A5 2.0 TFSI: Generally VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20.
  • S5 3.0 TFSI: Usually VW 502 00 (commonly 5W-40 fully synthetic).
  • RS 5 2.9 TFSI V6: High-performance oils meeting VW 502 00 or a specific Audi-approved spec; viscosity is often 0W-40 or 5W-40, but confirmation from the manual is essential.

• 2021 Audi A6 / A7 / S6 / S7:
  

  • A6/A7 2.0 TFSI: Often VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20.
  • A6/A7 3.0 TFSI: Many are specified for 0W-20 with VW 508 00/509 00, but some markets may allow or require VW 502 00; the manual is the deciding factor.
  • S6 / S7 2.9 TFSI V6: Typically VW 502 00 with a 0W-40 or 5W-40 grade synthetic.

• 2021 Audi A8 / S8:
  

  • A8 3.0 TFSI: Commonly VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20.
  • A8 4.0 TFSI (where offered): Often VW 502 00 with a 0W-40 or 5W-40 grade.
  • S8 4.0 TFSI V8: High-performance synthetic oil, generally VW 502 00 and 0W-40 or 5W-40; exact grade and service interval are explicitly defined in the manual.

• 2021 Audi Q3 / Q5 / Q7 / Q8:
  

  • Q3 2.0 TFSI: Typically VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20.
  • Q5 2.0 TFSI: Usually VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20; some plug-in hybrid variants also use this spec.
  • Q5 3.0 TFSI / SQ5: Frequently VW 502 00, 5W-40 synthetic due to higher load and performance tuning.
  • Q7/Q8 2.0 TFSI: Often VW 508 00/509 00, 0W-20.
  • Q7/Q8 3.0 TFSI: Can be VW 508 00/509 00 (0W-20) in many markets, but some variants may still list VW 502 00—check the exact engine code.

• 2021 Audi e-tron (fully electric):
  

  • No engine oil at all, as it uses electric motors. There are gear oils and coolant circuits, but not conventional engine motor oil.

This overview captures the broad tendencies: mainstream four-cylinder gasoline engines trending toward VW 508 00/509 00 0W-20, with higher-output six- and eight-cylinder engines often using VW 502 00 with a 5W-40 or similar grade. Any exceptions, regional variations, or special packages must be verified with official documentation.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2021 Audi

Because even minor differences—engine codes, market emissions packages, or model-year changes—can shift the oil requirement, confirming the exact spec for your vehicle is essential, not optional.

Key Steps to Check the Right Oil

The following steps outline practical ways to be sure you are using the correct oil, whether you perform your own maintenance or use a shop.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the section titled “Engine oil” or “Specifications.” It will list the VW approval code (e.g., 508 00/509 00, 502 00) and may also provide authorized viscosity ranges for your climate.
2. Inspect the under-hood label or filler cap area: Many 2021 Audis have a label near the oil filler cap specifying “Use only VW 508 00/509 00” or similar wording.
3. Use your VIN with an Audi dealer or official website: A dealer can decode your VIN and confirm exactly which oil spec Audi assigns to your engine and region.
4. Cross-check oil products by approval, not just viscosity: When buying oil, verify the label or product data sheet specifically states “VW 508 00/509 00” or “VW 502 00,” not just “recommended for” or “suitable for.” Approved and tested products will list the spec explicitly.
5. Consider environmental and driving conditions: Very hot or very cold climates might allow alternate viscosities within the same spec; your manual usually lists an approved range (for example, 0W-20 for most climates, possibly 5W-30 with the same VW approval in some regions).

By following these steps and anchoring every decision to the official VW approval code, you significantly reduce the risk of using an incompatible oil that might affect engine durability or warranty coverage.

Why Audi’s Oil Specification Matters

Audi’s insistence on specific VW oil approvals is not a marketing ploy; it reflects engineering requirements tied to turbocharging, emissions systems, and long service intervals. Oils that meet these specs must pass tests for sludge control, deposit formation, fuel economy, and compatibility with particulate filters and catalytic converters.

Risks of Using the Wrong Oil

The potential downsides of deviating from the specified Audi/VW oil standard are often understated, especially when generic “fully synthetic” oils are marketed as universal solutions.

• Increased engine wear: Using a viscosity or additive package not designed for your engine can lead to inadequate film strength, especially under high temperature and load, increasing long-term wear.
• Turbocharger and timing system issues: Turbocharged engines rely on the correct oil viscosity and detergents to protect bearings and keep oil passages clear; improper oil can accelerate coking and deposits.
• Emissions system damage: Oils not designed to be low-SAPS or low-ash where required (e.g., for TDI diesels) can poison catalytic converters or clog diesel particulate filters.
• Compromised long-life service intervals: Long drain intervals (often up to ~10,000 miles / 15,000 km or specified by the service indicator) assume the oil meets the precise VW spec; using an unapproved oil may mean it degrades faster than anticipated.
• Warranty disputes: If engine damage occurs and the oil used does not meet the documented VW specification, you may face challenges in warranty coverage, especially while the vehicle is still under powertrain warranty.

Staying within Audi’s specified approval range is essentially an insurance policy for both reliability and your legal protection under warranty terms, especially on a relatively new 2021 vehicle.

Brands and Products That Typically Meet Audi’s 2021 Requirements

Multiple major oil manufacturers offer products that carry official VW approvals. While I cannot endorse a single brand, understanding how to recognize appropriate products in stores or online will help you choose wisely.

How to Identify Suitable Oils on the Shelf

The following points summarize what to look for on oil containers or in product data sheets when purchasing oil for a 2021 Audi.

• Explicit VW approval on the label: The bottle should clearly say “VW 508 00/509 00” or “VW 502 00,” not just “meets the requirements of” without a formal approval.
• Correct viscosity for your engine: For many 2021 gasoline engines this will be 0W-20 for 508 00/509 00; for performance engines you might see 5W-40 or 0W-40 for 502 00.
• Major European or OEM-focused brands: Companies like Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Liqui Moly, Motul, and others often produce VW-approved oils—though each specific product line must still be checked against the approval list.
• Up-to-date product data sheets (PDS): If in doubt, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the oil’s technical datasheet, which usually lists official approvals including VW codes.
• Dealer-supplied oil: Oil purchased directly from an Audi dealer parts counter will match the required spec and is usually co-branded with a major oil company under VAG’s specification.

Focusing on approvals and documentation, rather than marketing slogans, ensures that any brand you choose remains within the envelope Audi’s engineers intended for your 2021 engine.

Summary

A 2021 Audi does not take just “any” oil; it typically requires full-synthetic oil specifically approved to VW’s internal standards. For most 2021 gasoline models, that means VW 508 00/509 00 0W-20, while many performance-oriented S and RS models, plus some V6/V8 engines, often call for VW 502 00 oils such as 5W-40. Diesel engines usually rely on VW 507 00 or similar low-SAPS formulations. The definitive answer for your exact car is in the owner’s manual and, if needed, via a VIN check with an Audi dealer. Matching both the VW spec and viscosity is crucial for engine longevity, emissions compliance, and warranty protection.