What Refrigerant Does Audi Use?

Audi primarily uses the low‑global‑warming‑potential refrigerant R‑1234yf in its newer models, while some older vehicles still use the traditional R‑134a; the exact refrigerant depends on model year, market, and air‑conditioning system design.

Why Refrigerant Choice Matters in Audi Vehicles

Behind a cool cabin lies a complex mix of engineering, safety regulations, and environmental policy. The refrigerant circulating in an Audi’s air‑conditioning (A/C) system is not just a technical detail: it affects climate impact, service procedures, and even what a workshop is legally allowed to use. Over the past decade, Audi—like other manufacturers in the Volkswagen Group—has progressively migrated from R‑134a to the more climate‑friendly R‑1234yf to comply with tightening environmental standards, especially in the European Union and North America.

The Main Refrigerants Used by Audi

R‑134a: The Legacy Refrigerant

For many years, R‑134a (chemical name: 1,1,1,2‑Tetrafluoroethane) was the standard refrigerant in Audi vehicles and most of the global car fleet. It replaced the older, ozone‑depleting R‑12 and became the default choice from the mid‑1990s through the early 2010s.

The following list outlines where and when R‑134a is typically found in Audi models.

• Approximate usage period: Widely used in Audi models built from the mid‑1990s up to roughly 2013–2016, depending on model and region.
• Typical models affected: Older A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7 and performance models (S/RS) produced before mid‑2010s often use R‑134a.
• Global availability: Still common in many markets for vehicles built before regulatory cut‑offs, including Europe, North America, and other regions.
• Global warming potential (GWP): About 1,430 (CO₂ equivalent), which is considered high and is the main reason regulators pushed for alternatives.
• Service and topping up: Widely available refrigerant; most independent and dealer workshops have equipment for R‑134a systems.
• System fittings: Uses specific service ports and couplings not compatible with R‑1234yf, reducing the risk of mixing.

In practice, any Audi built before the mid‑2010s is very likely to use R‑134a unless it has been converted—something that manufacturers and regulators generally discourage without a comprehensive system redesign.

R‑1234yf: The Current Standard in Newer Audis

R‑1234yf (2,3,3,3‑Tetrafluoropropene) is the low‑GWP refrigerant that has become standard in most new Audi models, especially in Europe and North America. It was introduced to comply with EU Directive 2006/40/EC and subsequent regulations that effectively banned high‑GWP refrigerants like R‑134a in new type‑approved vehicles.

The following list highlights key aspects of R‑1234yf in Audi vehicles.

• Approximate introduction period: Gradual rollout from around 2013 onward; by the late 2010s, most new Audi platforms and facelifts had switched to R‑1234yf in the EU and U.S.
• Current usage: The majority of recently produced Audi models—A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q2, Q3, Q4 e‑tron, Q5, Q7, Q8, and most S/RS and e‑tron variants—use R‑1234yf in markets where it is mandated or standard.
• Environmental impact: GWP ≈ 4, a dramatic reduction compared with R‑134a, aligning with climate regulations and fleet emissions targets.
• Slight flammability: Classified as mildly flammable (A2L), which led Audi and other manufacturers to adapt system design and safety measures, including leak detection and component shielding.
• Service implications: Requires dedicated service equipment and compatible oils; workshops must handle R‑1234yf separately from R‑134a to prevent cross‑contamination.
• Higher cost: R‑1234yf is significantly more expensive per kilogram than R‑134a, a cost that can be noticeable when repairing or recharging the system.

Today, if you buy a new or recent Audi in Europe or North America, it will almost certainly use R‑1234yf, reflecting both regulatory pressure and industry consensus on low‑GWP refrigerants.

CO₂ (R‑744) in Specialized Audi Applications

While R‑134a and R‑1234yf dominate Audi’s passenger car lineup, the industry has also experimented with carbon dioxide (CO₂), known as R‑744, especially for advanced climate control concepts and future‑focused models. CO₂ systems are attractive because they have extremely low environmental impact (GWP = 1) and are non‑flammable.

The following list provides an overview of CO₂ (R‑744) use and its status around Audi.

• Technology concept: CO₂ operates at much higher pressures than R‑134a or R‑1234yf, requiring specially designed compressors, heat exchangers, and valves.
• Use cases: Evaluated and piloted primarily for heat‑pump and high‑efficiency HVAC systems in electric vehicles, where cabin heating/cooling significantly impacts driving range.
• Environmental benefit: Negligible climate impact if leaked, no flammability, and a long‑term sustainable option if costs and technical barriers are addressed.
• Current status in Audi range: As of 2024, CO₂ systems are discussed and tested in the wider industry, but broad deployment in mainstream Audi models remains limited; R‑1234yf is still the primary production refrigerant.
• Infrastructure and service: Requires specialized tools and skills; not currently standard in most Audi dealer workshops.

CO₂ could play a larger role in future generations of Audi EVs and high‑efficiency heat‑pump systems, but for now it remains more of a strategic technology path than a widespread production standard.

How to Find Out Which Refrigerant Your Audi Uses

Because Audi’s refrigerant choice varies by model year, market, and specific variant, the most reliable way to know what is in your own vehicle is to check the documentation and the labels on the car itself.

The following list explains the most reliable ways to identify your Audi’s refrigerant.

• Under‑hood A/C label: Most Audis have a clearly marked label in the engine bay, often on the radiator support, underside of the hood, or near the front slam panel, stating “R‑134a” or “R‑1234yf” plus the refrigerant quantity.
• Owner’s manual: The climate control or technical data section typically specifies the refrigerant type and system charge amount.
• Service documentation: Dealer invoices or service records for A/C work will usually list the refrigerant used.
• Model year guideline:
  

  • Pre‑2013–2014: Most likely R‑134a, especially for cars sold before the EU MAC directive fully applied.
  • Approx. 2014–2017: Transition period—some new platforms switched to R‑1234yf while older platforms remained on R‑134a.
  • Late 2010s onward: Newer models in regulated markets generally R‑1234yf.

• Regional variations: In some non‑EU markets or for fleet applications, the transition may have been delayed, so the label remains the definitive source.

Because of safety and legal considerations, owners and technicians should always rely on these official labels and documents rather than assumptions based solely on model or year.

Regulations Driving Audi’s Refrigerant Strategy

Audi’s shift in refrigerants did not happen in isolation. It followed stringent environmental regulations, corporate climate goals, and broader industry trends.

The list below summarizes the main regulatory and strategic factors that have shaped Audi’s refrigerant choices.

• EU MAC Directive (2006/40/EC): Required new vehicle types in the EU to use refrigerants with a GWP below 150, effectively phasing out R‑134a for new type approvals from 2011 and for all new registrations from 2017.
• Global climate commitments: Broader CO₂ and greenhouse gas reduction targets encouraged manufacturers, including Audi, to reduce lifecycle climate impact from A/C systems.
• Industry harmonization: Audi, as part of Volkswagen Group, aligned with group‑wide decisions to adopt R‑1234yf for most passenger models in key markets.
• Safety and technical testing: Concerns about R‑1234yf’s mild flammability led to extensive testing and design changes, but regulators and manufacturers ultimately accepted it with appropriate safeguards.
• Future‑oriented R&D: Ongoing research into CO₂ (R‑744) and other low‑GWP refrigerants, especially for electric vehicles and advanced heat‑pump HVAC systems.

These forces explain why Audi moved from a long‑established refrigerant to a newer, more complex but climate‑friendlier alternative, and why further changes are possible as technology evolves.

Servicing an Audi A/C System: Practical Implications

For Audi owners and independent workshops, the type of refrigerant in the system has direct consequences for service procedures, equipment, and cost.

The list below outlines practical considerations when maintaining or repairing an Audi’s air‑conditioning system.

• No mixing of refrigerants: R‑134a and R‑1234yf must never be mixed; doing so can damage components and create safety risks, and is prohibited in professional practice.
• Dedicated machines: A/C service stations are specific to each refrigerant; R‑1234yf machines are typically more expensive and have different fittings to prevent cross‑use.
• Oil compatibility: The compressor oil must match both the refrigerant and the compressor design; incorrect oil can lead to premature compressor failure.
• Leak detection: Systems using R‑1234yf often rely on compatible UV dyes or electronic leak detectors calibrated for that refrigerant; CO₂ systems, where used, need different detection tools.
• Cost to recharge: Due to the higher price of R‑1234yf, recharging newer Audi systems can be considerably more expensive than older R‑134a systems.
• Legal handling: Many jurisdictions require certification or licensing to handle automotive refrigerants, especially for recovery and disposal.

Understanding which refrigerant your Audi uses helps you anticipate service costs, choose a properly equipped workshop, and ensure that the system is maintained in line with manufacturer and legal requirements.

Summary

Audi’s current refrigerant strategy reflects a transition from the long‑standing R‑134a to the low‑GWP R‑1234yf, driven by environmental regulations and group‑wide policy. Most older Audis, especially those produced before the mid‑2010s, use R‑134a, while the majority of newer models in Europe and North America now rely on R‑1234yf. Experimental and future‑focused applications involving CO₂ (R‑744) are on the horizon, particularly for electric vehicles and advanced heat‑pump systems, but remain limited in mainstream production. For any specific car, the definitive answer is printed under the hood and in the owner’s documentation, and that label should guide all service and repair decisions.

What kind of refrigerant does Audi AC use?

R134a
In modern Audis, systems use R134a or R1234yf refrigerant, which is pressurized and cycled through compressors, condensers, and evaporators to maintain a cool interior.

What type of coolant does Audi use?

Audi uses a specific type of coolant, primarily G13 (which is pink/purple), and older models may use G12 or G12++. It is crucial to use the correct, manufacturer-approved coolant to prevent corrosion and ensure proper engine temperature regulation, so check your owner’s manual for the exact specification for your vehicle’s model and year. When adding coolant, you should never mix brands or types unless a full flush has been performed.
 
Key takeaways

• G13: The most current specification for Audi, this is a long-life, pink-colored coolant. 
• Older specifications: Some older models may use G12 or G12++ coolant. 
• Manufacturer approval: Always use a coolant that is explicitly approved for Audi/VW, and check your owner’s manual or the expansion tank for the specific type required for your car. 
• Never mix: Do not mix different types of coolant, as this can lead to system damage. If upgrading to a newer type like G13, perform a full system flush first. 
• Premixed vs. concentrated: If you are using concentrated coolant, you must mix it with distilled water to a 50/50 ratio. Do not use regular tap water, as its mineral content can cause issues with the cooling system. 

Does my car use R-134a or R-1234yf?

Finding out which refrigerant your vehicle uses is easy with the help of A/C Pro®. The first place to look for this information is under the hood. Pop the hood and look for a label, which is usually white or bright yellow. On this it will either say “R-134a” or “R-1234yf,” and it may even say what the capacity is.

What kind of refrigerant does the 2018 Audi q5 take?

R134A Refrigerant
R134A Refrigerant. AC. Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Liquid.