What Oil Does an Audi A4 2013 Use?

The 2013 Audi A4 typically requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 for some markets) specifications, most commonly in 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity, depending on engine and climate. Owners should confirm the exact spec in the owner’s manual or on the oil-cap label before service.

Understanding the 2013 Audi A4 Engine Oil Requirements

The 2013 Audi A4 was sold with several engine options worldwide, but most markets received 2.0 TFSI and various TDI diesel engines. While viscosity (like 5W-40) is important, the most critical factor is that the oil meets Audi/Volkswagen’s official approval standards. Using the wrong oil can accelerate wear, increase consumption, and may affect warranty or goodwill repairs on engines and emission systems.

Official Audi/VW Oil Specifications for the 2013 A4

To understand exactly which oil is suitable, it helps to know the Volkswagen Group’s official oil standards for petrol and diesel engines used in the 2013 Audi A4.

• VW 502 00: Main standard for high‑performance gasoline engines in this era; widely recommended for 2.0 TFSI in the A4.
• VW 504 00: Long-life, low-SAPS (low ash) standard for some newer gasoline engines, often paired with flexible service intervals and compatible with emissions controls.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel standards, occasionally referenced for some TDI engines in fixed-interval service regimes.
• VW 507 00: Long-life, low-SAPS diesel oil standard, especially for TDIs equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF).

Choosing an oil that explicitly lists one of these approvals on the label is more important than brand loyalty; it ensures the oil has been tested against Audi’s requirements for wear protection, detergency, and compatibility with after-treatment systems.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for the 2013 Audi A4

While the exact viscosity can vary slightly by region and climate, certain grades are most frequently recommended and widely available for the 2013 Audi A4.

• 5W-40 fully synthetic: Among the most common recommendations for 2.0 TFSI engines, especially in Europe and North America, when paired with VW 502 00 approval.
• 5W-30 fully synthetic: Often used where VW 504 00 or 507 00 is required; also recommended for fuel efficiency and in milder climates.
• 0W-40 or 0W-30 fully synthetic: Sometimes listed as acceptable alternatives in very cold climates, provided they meet the correct VW standard.

Viscosity should be selected based on the climate you drive in and what Audi lists as acceptable for your engine; owners’ manuals usually include a chart with climate ranges and compatible viscosities.

Typical Oil Choices by Engine Type

Different engines in the 2013 A4 family have slightly varied needs. The following breakdown gives a general guide, but documentation for your specific car (VIN/market) should always be checked.

2.0 TFSI (Gasoline) Engines

The 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI is one of the most common engines in the 2013 A4. It is sensitive to oil quality due to turbocharger heat and direct injection.

• Specification: VW 502 00 is generally the key requirement; VW 504 00 is acceptable if listed in the manual.
• Viscosity: 5W-40 full synthetic is the most commonly recommended; 5W-30 may also be allowed depending on spec and climate.
• Examples of compliant products: Castrol Edge 5W-40 (VW 502 00), Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (VW 502 00), Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 (VW 502 00), or any reputable brand oil that explicitly states VW 502 00 approval.

For the TFSI engine, using a high-quality, VW-approved synthetic oil and changing it on time is particularly important to prevent sludge, turbo issues, and excessive oil consumption.

TDI (Diesel) Engines

Many 2013 A4s in Europe and other regions were sold with TDI diesels, often equipped with DPFs that require low-ash oils.

• Specification: VW 507 00 is the most commonly required for modern TDIs with DPFs; some older or fixed-interval setups may list VW 505 00 or 505 01.
• Viscosity: Typically 5W-30 full synthetic for VW 507 00 oils.
• Examples of compliant products: Castrol Edge Professional LongLife III 5W-30 (VW 507 00), Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 (VW 507 00), Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W-30 (VW 504 00/507 00).

Diesel owners should be especially careful to use VW 507 00 for DPF-equipped cars, as non-approved oils can increase ash buildup and shorten DPF and EGR system life.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2013 A4

Because specifications can differ slightly by market, model year updates, and engine code, there are several practical steps to verify precisely what your car requires.

1. Check the owner’s manual: The lubrication section lists approved standards (VW codes) and acceptable viscosities by climate.
2. Look at the oil filler cap and engine bay labels: Some cars have a sticker or text indicating the required VW norm (e.g., “Use VW 502 00 oil only”).
3. Use your VIN at a dealer: An Audi dealer can pull exact specs using your VIN to confirm the correct oil standard and any service bulletins.
4. Consult Audi’s online documentation: Many regions provide digital manuals or technical guides on official Audi sites.
5. Cross-check the oil label: On the bottle, look for “Approved to VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00,” not just “recommended for” or “meets requirements” without formal approval.

Taking a few minutes to confirm the correct specification helps avoid guesswork and gives peace of mind that your chosen oil aligns with Audi’s engineering requirements.

Oil Change Intervals for the 2013 Audi A4

Oil choice goes hand-in-hand with how often it is changed. Audi used both fixed and flexible (“LongLife”) service schedules around this model year, depending on market and owner preference.

• Fixed interval service: Commonly every 10,000 miles / 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, using an approved oil like VW 502 00 or 507 00.
• Flexible (LongLife) interval service: Up to around 18,000–19,000 miles / 30,000 km or 2 years, where allowed, using VW 504 00 / 507 00 long-life oils and monitored by service interval sensors.
• Severe use / short trips: For frequent short runs, heavy traffic, or hot climates, many independent specialists recommend more frequent oil changes (for example, every 5,000–7,500 miles / 8,000–12,000 km) even if the car allows longer intervals.

Following or slightly exceeding the factory maintenance schedule with the correct oil specification is one of the most effective ways to protect the 2013 A4’s engine and turbocharger over high mileages.

Why Using the Correct Oil Matters

Beyond basic lubrication, modern Audi engines rely on oil chemistry and performance in several critical ways.

• Turbocharger protection: High temperatures demand oils with strong thermal stability and deposit control to prevent coking in turbo bearings.
• Direct injection cleanliness: Detergent and dispersant additives help keep pistons and rings cleaner, reducing oil consumption and performance loss.
• Emission system longevity: Low-ash (low-SAPS) oils protect particulate filters and catalytic converters from premature blockage.
• Variable valve timing and hydraulic components: Clean, correct-viscosity oil ensures fast response and prevents sludge in fine oil passages.

Using a random synthetic oil without VW approval can compromise these functions, so the official specification codes on the label are essential, not optional.

Brand Choices and Aftermarket Oils

Owners often wonder whether they must use Audi-branded oil or if reputable aftermarket products are acceptable.

• Audi-branded oils: Typically supplied by major oil companies (such as Castrol in many regions) and guaranteed to meet the required VW norms.
• Independent brands: Major names like Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Liqui Moly, TotalEnergies, and others offer VW-approved products clearly labeled with the relevant VW codes.
• Warranty considerations: In most jurisdictions, using an oil that meets the exact VW approval is sufficient for warranty, regardless of brand, provided you can document the product and interval.

Choosing any reputable brand oil that explicitly lists the correct VW approval is typically as safe as using Audi’s own labeled product, provided the grade and intervals match factory guidance.

Summary

The 2013 Audi A4 generally requires a fully synthetic engine oil carrying official VW approvals—most commonly VW 502 00 (for gasoline TFSI engines) or VW 507 00 (for many TDIs with DPFs), often in 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity depending on engine and climate. The critical step is matching the specification and viscosity listed in the owner’s manual or on the vehicle’s labels, then adhering to appropriate service intervals. With the correct VW-approved oil and timely changes, the 2013 A4’s engines can deliver long, reliable service with minimized risk of sludge, turbo issues, or premature wear.