What Type of Oil Does a 2014 Audi A4 Take?
A 2014 Audi A4 generally requires full-synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 specifications, most commonly 5W-40 in North America, though some markets and engines may use 5W-30 or other viscosities approved under the same VW standard. The exact oil type can vary slightly by engine variant and climate, but using VW 502 00–approved synthetic oil is the critical requirement for proper performance and warranty protection.
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Understanding the Oil Requirements for the 2014 Audi A4
The 2014 Audi A4 was offered mainly with a 2.0 TFSI (turbocharged) gasoline engine in many regions, as well as diesel TDI variants and other petrol engines in some markets. While viscosity (e.g., 5W-40) is important, Audi and Volkswagen engines are especially sensitive to whether the oil meets the correct VW/Audi approval standard. For the 2014 A4, that standard is usually VW 502 00 for gasoline engines and VW 504 00 / 507 00 for some newer, long-life or diesel applications.
Main Oil Specification: VW 502 00
For most 2014 Audi A4 gasoline models, the central requirement is that the oil meets the Volkswagen/Audi VW 502 00 performance standard. This is more important than the brand and typically more important than small differences in viscosity, as long as viscosity is still appropriate for the climate.
Common Viscosity Grades
The 2014 Audi A4 owner’s manual lists several acceptable viscosity grades, with 5W-40 and 5W-30 among the most common. The choice can depend on regional recommendations and temperature range.
The following list outlines the viscosity grades most commonly recommended for a 2014 Audi A4 with a gasoline engine, assuming they also meet VW 502 00:
- SAE 5W-40: Most commonly recommended in North America for the 2.0 TFSI; good balance of cold-start protection and high-temperature stability.
- SAE 5W-30: Sometimes approved and used in certain markets; must explicitly state VW 502 00 compliance.
- SAE 0W-40 or 0W-30: Occasionally approved options for very cold climates, as long as the oil carries VW 502 00 or the appropriate VW spec on the label.
In practical terms, 5W-40 full-synthetic oil carrying the VW 502 00 approval is a safe default for most 2014 Audi A4 gasoline owners, but checking the exact engine code and local manual is always wise.
Gasoline vs. Diesel Engine Oil Specs
Not all 2014 Audi A4 models use the same oil specification. While many markets saw primarily the 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine, others offered diesel (TDI) engines that have different lubrication requirements, especially if the car is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Gasoline Engines (e.g., 2.0 TFSI)
For the turbocharged gasoline engines, including the popular 2.0 TFSI, the key specification is VW 502 00. Some engines may also reference VW 504 00 in long-drain scenarios, but 502 00 remains the standard in many service schedules.
The following list summarizes the main points for gasoline engines in a 2014 Audi A4:
- Primary spec: VW 502 00 (must be printed on the oil container).
- Oil type: Full-synthetic motor oil only.
- Typical viscosity: 5W-40 in many markets; possibly 5W-30 or 0W-40 if listed in the manual.
- Service interval: Often around 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 1 year in North America, but follow the instrument cluster and manual, especially for flexible “LongLife” service systems in Europe.
If your 2014 A4 is gasoline-powered, using a fully synthetic oil labeled VW 502 00 and the viscosity recommended in the manual is the safest way to protect the turbocharger and internal components.
Diesel Engines (TDI Models)
In some regions (particularly Europe), the 2014 A4 was sold with diesel TDI engines that may require low-ash oil to protect the diesel particulate filter and meet emissions standards. These engines typically use VW 504 00 / 507 00–approved oil (often marketed as “LongLife” oil in Europe).
The following list outlines typical requirements for diesel A4 models of that era:
- Primary spec: VW 507 00 (often paired with VW 504 00 on the label).
- Oil type: Low-SAPS, full-synthetic oil suitable for DPF-equipped diesels.
- Common viscosity: 5W-30 is typical for 504 00/507 00 oils, though other viscosities may appear with the same spec.
- Service interval: In many European cars, up to roughly 30,000 km or 2 years under LongLife service – but depends on the service setting and driving conditions.
For diesel owners, the VW 507 00/504 00 approval is the critical factor, and substituting a 502 00 gasoline-spec oil is not recommended due to emissions system and engine wear considerations.
How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2014 A4
Although general guidelines cover most cases, the exact requirement can vary by engine code, region, and service program. It is therefore important to verify the recommendation specific to your vehicle rather than relying solely on generic advice or parts-counter suggestions.
Checking Factory Sources
There are a few authoritative places to confirm which oil your 2014 Audi A4 needs: the owner’s manual, the service booklet, and, when in doubt, an Audi dealer.
The following list highlights reliable ways to confirm the correct oil:
- Owner’s manual: Look in the “Engine Oils” or “Fluids and Capacities” section for VW specifications (e.g., VW 502 00, VW 507 00) and viscosity ranges.
- Service book or maintenance plan: May specify if your car is on a fixed or flexible (LongLife) service interval, which can influence whether VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00 is preferred.
- Under-hood stickers or labels: Some cars have stickers that indicate oil standards or service reminders.
- Audi dealer or official service center: Can confirm by VIN which engine and oil spec your car requires.
- Reputable online databases: Major oil manufacturers’ websites often have a “Which oil for my car?” lookup, but always cross-check with VW spec numbers.
Using these sources reduces the risk of relying on generic or outdated information and helps ensure the oil you choose is exactly what Audi intended for your specific vehicle configuration.
Choosing a Brand and Product
Once you know the required VW specification and viscosity, you can select among many brands. Audi does not mandate a single brand, but it does require that the oil meet the VW approval standard.
What to Look for on the Label
The packaging of high-quality synthetic oils typically prints manufacturer approvals, not just generic “meets or exceeds” language. For Audi, an explicit VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00 approval is what counts.
The following list describes key information to check on an oil container:
- VW/Audi approval code: Look for “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00/507 00,” or the exact code listed in your manual.
- Viscosity grade: Confirm it matches what Audi recommends for your climate (e.g., 5W-40 for a 2.0 TFSI in moderate climates).
- Full-synthetic designation: The label should clearly state synthetic or fully synthetic.
- Reputable brand: Major brands (Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Shell, etc.) typically have VW-approved formulations; dealer-branded oils also usually meet required specs.
Selecting oil that explicitly lists the VW approval code and matches the recommended viscosity minimizes the risk of engine or turbo damage and supports long-term reliability.
Why the Correct Oil Matters for the 2014 A4
The 2014 Audi A4’s turbocharged engines and, in many cases, emissions-control hardware place high demands on engine oil. Using the wrong oil—especially one without the proper VW rating—can lead to increased wear, sludge, turbocharger issues, or damage to catalytic converters or diesel particulate filters.
Practical Maintenance Tips
Following Audi’s official maintenance schedule is important, but driving style and environment can justify more frequent oil changes, particularly for older vehicles or high-mileage examples.
The list below outlines basic maintenance considerations related to engine oil in a 2014 A4:
- Change intervals: Many owners of turbocharged engines prefer changing oil more often than the maximum interval (e.g., every 5,000–7,500 miles instead of 10,000), especially under heavy or mostly city driving.
- Regular level checks: Turbocharged Audi engines can consume some oil; check the dipstick or MMI oil level display regularly and top up with the same VW-spec oil.
- Avoid mixing specs: If topping up in an emergency, using a small amount of a different, high-quality synthetic is better than running low, but routinely mixing non-VW-approved oils is not advisable.
- Warm-up and cool-down: Gentle driving while the engine warms up and avoiding immediate hard acceleration after a cold start help protect both oil and turbocharger.
Consistent use of the correct VW-approved, full-synthetic oil and reasonable change intervals can significantly extend the life and reliability of a 2014 Audi A4’s engine and turbocharger.
Summary
A 2014 Audi A4 typically requires full-synthetic engine oil that meets specific Volkswagen/Audi approval standards. For most gasoline models, especially the 2.0 TFSI, the required standard is VW 502 00, commonly in a 5W-40 viscosity in North America, with some markets allowing 5W-30 or 0W-40 under the same spec. Diesel variants usually need VW 504 00/507 00 low-ash oil, often in 5W-30. The VW approval code printed on the oil container is more important than brand or minor viscosity differences, as long as the viscosity is within the range recommended in the owner’s manual. To be certain for your exact engine and region, check the manual, the service documentation, or consult an Audi dealer with your VIN.


