What Oil Does a 2018 Audi A4 Use?

The 2018 Audi A4 is designed to use full-synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 where applicable), typically in a 0W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity for most North American conditions; using oil that meets this exact spec is more important than the brand itself.

Understanding the Official Oil Specification

For modern Audis, including the 2018 A4, the key requirement is not just “synthetic oil” but oil that meets a factory-approved specification. This ensures proper lubrication, turbocharger protection, and long-term engine health, and it can affect warranty coverage.

The Core Specification: VW 502 00

Most 2018 Audi A4 models sold in North America with the 2.0L TFSI gasoline engine are designed around VW 502 00–approved oil. This spec is defined by Volkswagen Group (which owns Audi) and is stricter than generic API/ILSAC standards in several areas, including high-temperature stability and deposit control.

Below are the main oil specs you’ll encounter for a 2018 Audi A4 and what they mean.

• VW 502 00: Primary spec for gasoline engines like the 2.0L TFSI in the 2018 A4; long‑life, high-performance synthetic oil.
• VW 504 00: Newer low‑SAPS (low ash) spec, often used in Europe for extended service intervals and to protect particulate filters; can be backward compatible with 502 00 depending on market and oil label.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00: Primarily diesel-focused specs; relevant only if referring to diesel variants not commonly sold in North America.

These specifications are printed on the oil container label; if that VW/Audi spec (especially 502 00) is not explicitly listed, the oil is not officially approved for your A4, even if it is synthetic and a seemingly correct viscosity.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for a 2018 Audi A4

While VW 502 00 defines quality, viscosity determines how the oil flows at various temperatures. Audi lists acceptable viscosity grades depending on climate and usage, with 0W-40 and 5W-40 as common choices.

Typical Viscosity Options

The following viscosity grades are widely accepted for the 2018 Audi A4 when they meet VW 502 00 (or 504 00 where allowed):

• 0W-40: Excellent cold-start performance and strong high‑temperature protection; a top choice in many climates.
• 5W-40: Very common factory-style spec in temperate to warm climates; often easier to find in VW 502 00–approved form.
• 5W-30 (VW 504 00): Used in some markets and for extended drain intervals, especially where low‑SAPS oils are required; must explicitly list VW 504 00 or 502 00.

Choosing among these is often a matter of local climate and availability, but the critical rule is to stay within Audi’s approved viscosities and always ensure the VW spec on the bottle matches your owner’s manual.

Compatible Brands and Product Examples

Many major oil manufacturers produce products that meet VW 502 00 and are marketed specifically for European or German vehicles. The brand is less important than the correct approval, but certain product lines are commonly used by Audi owners and dealers.

Common Oils That Meet VW 502 00

Below are examples of widely available full-synthetic oils that typically carry VW 502 00 approval (always verify on the current bottle label or manufacturer website, as formulations can change):

• Castrol EDGE 0W-40 / 5W-40 (European Formula or “Euro Car”): Frequently recommended by Audi/VW dealers; many bottles list VW 502 00, 505 00.
• Mobil 1 ESP or Mobil 1 European Car Formula 0W-40: Popular choice with factory approvals including VW 502 00 and 505 00 on many variants.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec or Synthoil series (e.g., 5W-40 meeting VW 502 00): German-made oils often marketed specifically for VW/Audi engines.
• Motul Specific / Motul 8100 series (e.g., X-cess 5W-40): Selected products carry VW 502 00 approval and are often used by enthusiasts.
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40: Certain Euro formulas list VW 502 00 and are easy to find at big-box stores.

Any of these products, when verified to meet VW 502 00 (or 504 00 if specified by your market/manual), will satisfy Audi’s technical requirements and provide proper protection for the 2018 A4’s turbocharged engine.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Beyond using the correct oil type, owners should be aware of how much oil the engine takes and how frequently it should be changed, especially as the vehicle ages or is driven in severe conditions.

Typical Fill Quantity

For the 2018 Audi A4 with the 2.0L TFSI gasoline engine:

• Approximate capacity (with filter change): Around 5.7–6.0 liters (about 6.0–6.3 US quarts), depending on engine code and exact variant.
• Filter: Always replace the oil filter at each oil change; Audi and quality aftermarket filters are both acceptable when they meet OEM standards.
• Check level: Use the MMI/electronic oil level system or dipstick (if equipped) after the car has been run and then allowed to sit briefly on level ground.

Because capacity can vary slightly by engine variant, it is wise to consult the owner’s manual or a service manual and add oil gradually, checking the level rather than assuming a fixed quantity is correct.

Recommended Service Intervals

Audi’s flexible service schedule often allows longer intervals, but many owners choose more frequent changes to protect the turbocharged engine and minimize carbon buildup.

For a 2018 Audi A4, typical guidance is:

• Factory interval: Up to about 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year under normal conditions, depending on market and service indicator.
• Enthusiast/“severe use” interval: Many independent mechanics recommend 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km) for city driving, frequent short trips, or spirited use.
• Check top‑offs: Turbocharged engines may consume some oil; Audi considers some consumption normal. Check level periodically between changes.

Adopting a moderate interval—shorter than the factory maximum but not excessive—can improve long-term reliability, especially if the car sees heavy commuting, traffic, or high-performance driving.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific A4

While the 2.0L gasoline engine is the most common configuration, build variations, market differences, and updates mean you should verify the exact recommendation for your vehicle.

Steps to Double‑Check Compatibility

The following steps help ensure you’re using exactly the oil Audi expects for your 2018 A4:

• Consult the owner’s manual: Look under the “Engine Oil” section; it will list VW specs (e.g., VW 502 00) and often preferred viscosities.
• Check the under‑hood label or service booklet: Some cars have a sticker or service document noting the correct oil standard.
• Use your VIN at a dealer or reputable parts site: A dealer or OEM-focused parts supplier can look up your exact engine code and spec via VIN.
• Compare oil bottle labels: Ensure “VW 502 00” or the manual’s exact spec is clearly printed among the approvals.
• Watch for regional differences: European‑market A4s may list VW 504 00/507 00 for extended intervals and emissions equipment protection.

Taking a few minutes to verify the specification helps avoid guesswork and ensures that any oil used is fully compatible with your A4’s engine and warranty expectations.

Why the Right Oil Matters for the 2018 A4

The 2018 Audi A4’s 2.0L TFSI is a direct-injected, turbocharged engine that runs hot and under high pressure, making oil quality critical to performance and longevity.

Key Reasons to Stick to Approved Oil

Using the correct VW 502 00 (or 504 00) synthetic oil offers several important benefits:

• Turbocharger protection: High-temperature stability and resistance to coking prevent deposits on turbo bearings and oil feed lines.
• Reduced engine deposits: Proper detergency and volatility control minimize sludge and carbon buildup, especially in direct-injection engines.
• Cold-start performance: Correct viscosity ensures rapid oil flow at startup, where most wear occurs.
• Fuel economy and performance: The oil is matched to engine tolerances so that friction and drag are balanced against protection.
• Warranty and resale value: Following the documented spec and changing oil on schedule supports warranty claims and reassures future buyers.

Cutting corners on oil quality or ignoring the VW spec may not cause immediate failure, but it can accelerate wear, increase deposit formation, and reduce the engine’s long-term reliability and efficiency.

Summary

The 2018 Audi A4 is engineered to run on full-synthetic engine oil that meets Volkswagen Group’s VW 502 00 specification (or VW 504 00, where explicitly allowed), with 0W-40 or 5W-40 being the most common viscosities in many markets. The engine typically takes around 6 quarts (about 5.7–6.0 liters) with a filter change, and oil should be replaced at least every 10,000 miles or 1 year—often sooner under heavy or urban driving. The crucial rule is to choose an oil that clearly lists the correct VW spec on its label, whether it’s from Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Motul, Pennzoil, or another reputable brand, and to verify recommendations against your owner’s manual and VIN-specific guidance.