Changing the oil on your car is one of the least intensive car maintenance practices one can learn, but still there are people who struggle with it. They’re out driving one day, and the check oil light starts blinking, and suddenly they fly into a panic, endangering themselves and those around them.
There’s hardly a need to become a road hazard, those lights are just caution lights, not red fullstops. There’s not even much of a need to go to a mechanic and get it done professionally. If you learn to change your car’s oil yourself, you’ll save a great deal of time and money.
A good oil is one that does more than lubricates your engine, it should also do its part to keep the engine clean. It should also not burn away too quickly, which was often a problem for new owners of the Audi A4. This post will go over some of the best oils available that keep your A4 running as smoothly as the day you drove it off the lot.
List of the Best Oil for Audi A4
Castrol Edge
Castrol Edge is the best oil for an unmodified A4 engine. It’s the viscosity of Castrol that makes it so adept for this model. It can retain its thickness for long periods of time, which means it won’t burn out as quickly as others. You can also work with the oil in both extremes of hot and cold, making it reliable no matter where you live.
Those two factors make it the logical economical choice – the oil is going to last longer and you won’t have to change to something of a different viscosity when the weather changes.
Castrol Edge also has miraculous preservative powers, giving your engine a much longer life than what it would normally have. Customers who used it throughout their engine’s life reported having extra years they never expected. The oil can even help combat piston snaps, which are frequent in colder climates.
If you spill any, you’ll notice it’s quite sticky on metal. You might see this as a problem, though it’s actually a good thing. It means it’ll constantly lubricate your engine.
The only downside would have to be the price. It’s one of the more costly oils out there, but this is one instance where you get what you pay for. Some customers have stated they didn’t notice any difference in how their engine ran, though no one reported any severe problems.
It’s actually the brand that Audi personally recommends you use for gas engines, and most customers have claimed it’s helped their engine maintain a long and healthy life.
Royal Purple High Performance
Recently, there was some controversy about which was better: Royal Purple vs. Amsoil. While Amsoil appeared to have lost, it turned out the testing methods were controversial. Royal Purple oil, known for retaining their signature colour, was not tested against their other brands. So the data was fairly biased.
But in this case, Royal Purple is perfect for an Audi A4. Meant exclusively for motorcycles, this relatively young company started branching out not that long ago. And the huge fight between Amsoil and themselves has been pretty brutal.
Nonetheless, what makes Royal Purple so compatible with the A4 is, once again, the viscosity. The oil is just thick enough to stick to the metal, but light enough that it can easily flow. So your engine remains very well lubricated while it’s running.
One driver reported that Royal Purple made his engine sing, with every sound that it was meant to make resonating perfectly. He also reported that the car never ran more smoothly, from the transmission to turbocharging.
So regardless of the controversy in the press, it’s a particularly well-suited oil for the Audi A4, especially if you’re looking for a smoother, faster ride.
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic
Valvoline synthetic is a commonly heard term amongst industry insiders, and that’s because it’s one of the most reliable motor oils on the market. It’s known for offering a high quality oil that helps the engine run smoother for longer.
It was once tested to show how climate affected it. And much to the audience’s shock it barely changed its structure in both extreme heat and extreme cold. It stayed very light, as it’s designed not to freeze or burn away.
It also, like most respected oils, does an expert’s job of cleaning your engine while helping it run. It has a dual function, cooling the engine as it heats up and heating it up as it gets cold. This is one of the reasons synthetic oil, despite early concerns about it when it first came on the market, is just as good as the real thing if not better.
Synthetic oils are much more pure than traditional oil. Any of the harmful materials to your engine have been weeded out during the oil’s creation.
Unfortunately, it’s not compatible with diesel engines, as is the case with most synthetics. And while it’s mostly accurate that it works well no matter the temperature, some customers have said it doesn’t do heat as well as it does cold.
Castrol GTX High Mileage
Castrol has more than one option that’s suited for the A4. The question now becomes whether to choose between Castrol GTX and Castrol Edge. And the answer lies with just how they protect your car.
Castrol GTX has an added magnetic layer of protection that helps it stick to the metal parts of your engine. That additional layer of protection keeps your engine running smoothly and prevents severe burnoff.
Castrol Edge is more focused on providing protection for wear and tear. So the question becomes about how you use your car. If you hope to have a long engine life, then Edge is likely more your speed.
If, however, you’re a speed demon looking to amp up the mileage on his A4, then GTX is the correct option.
While this is one of the more expensive oils on the market, you’ll find you’re saving a lot on the amount of fuel you wind up using.
It should not, however, be used in just any car. Some models, such as the Chrysler MS 6395, have safety requirements that the GTX does not meet.
For the A4, however, it’s perfect for getting your car primed and prepped for a very long, fast road trip.
Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic
Most people who used Mobil 1 have been doing so for over 20 years, without complaint. It’s one of the most reliable high-quality oils for high-performance and luxury vehicles, and though we’re again dealing with one of the more expensive oils, not a penny spent could be considered wasted.
Mobil 1 has the ability to always keep your engine lubricated without losing any of its viscosity. With engines like the A4, that’s crucial. You’ll notice less sludge build-up, keeping your engine’s valves clean to move seamlessly at thousands of RPMs.
It’s also one of the easiest oils to use, requiring no professional assistance to get it inside your machine. That’s a major plus, as mechanic bills would make paying for the oil something of a burden. Doing it at home by yourself saves you all of that cost, but it also gives one a sense of accomplishment, the very reason so many men disappear into garages for weekends.
If you are going to change it yourself, however, it’s best that you have the recommended oil filter.
This is also one of the most versatile oils available, used not just in Audis but any make of automobile.
Some customers have noted that the packaging wasn’t very well thought out, often getting packages with broken seals or even leakage. Unfortunately, packaging is beyond anyone but the company’s control, and getting the message to them isn’t always easy.
And again, it is costlier than most, but you will notice a difference in performance. Motor oils are one purchase where you are genuinely paying for the premium, so at least it’s not a disappointing product.
Havoline High Mileage Synthetic Blend
Chevron’s Havoline helps cars with mileage over 75,000 miles, so if you’ve had your Audi A4 for several years, it might be a good time to make the switch. When you actually make that switch, however, is entirely at your discretion. If you’re noticing engine bumps, loss of power, cylinders slapping or other strange noises,that may or may not be associated with high-mileage.
But high-mileage oil is not going to fix those issues. Rather, it should fight them before they begin. High-mileage oil like Havoline are made for well-maintained engines that just happen to be getting up there in the years, to fight wear and tear and give the car a few extra years.
Motor oil formulas are kept top secret, so we don’t actually know the materials in the oil that make it so adept at cleaning and running smoothly the engine of an A4. But we do know that, for cars with over 100,000 miles or more, it has helped engines last years beyond what was initially believed possible.
You may find that you’ll need to add more Havoline in the summer months, as it doesn’t deal with heat as well as it does colder temperatures, but it’s fortunately one of the most reasonably priced options.
Shell Rotella T
You may notice, in some Audis, that the engine takes a little longer to turn over if you’re using Shell Rotella. Don’t panic, this is actually a good thing that’s going to save you money in the future.
You’ll never void a warranty using Rotella, so there’s little chance of experiencing problems that can’t be fixed. The good news is there should not be many problems, as Rotella is an excellent oil for making A4s run smooth. And it does all it can to keep your engine clean and healthy, removing any build up of dirt or acid that could damage it.
One of the more irritating things about the product is the packaging, which has no clear way of marking just how much oil you have left. This can be especially trying if you’re attempting to do it yourself, as finding out you don’t have enough to fill your car could leave you in a bad spot. If you’re at home, it’s easier to deal with, but on the road, it’s important to know what’s left.
It’s also one of the more expensive options of diesel, so not knowing how much you have makes it harder to budget for. Some customers have also noted no noticeable change after switching to Rotella.
Now that you know the many fine oils compatible with Audi A4s, time to go over some more general areas of Audi purchasing before answering some common questions about one of the coolest cars on the market.
Audi A4 Buyer’s Guide
Background
The B6 Audi A4 was first introduced in 2002, only the second of its generation. It was launched with the intent of fixing Audi’s damaged reputation, which had suffered in recent years. It didn’t stick around very long, with a lifespan of only three and half years. It was quickly replaced by the B7 A4 in 2005.
Types of A4
- B6 (2002-2004)
In the U.S., there were only two engines that you could get with the B6 A4. They were either a 1.8L turbocharged four cylinder or the 3.0L V6. Though in Europe, the options were much more varied
Of the two available stateside, the 1.8L four cylinder offered less horsepower, about 170 standard. So if you were aiming for more speed, the V6 was likely more your style. However one could easily modify the four cylinder to reach the same 200hp of its sister engine.
Manual transmission was standard on most models. There were various body styles offered, including wagon, sedan and cabriolet.
- B7 (2005-2008)
The B7 was more of a refresh than a relaunch. The 1.8L turbocharged engine was upgraded to a 200hp 2.0L, with direct fuel injection. Manual transmission of six speeds was included, as opposed to the five-speed transmission of the previous incarnation.
The V6, if you opted for one, was also upgraded to 3.2L, offering direct fuel injection for the very first time. Both engines offered a Quattro or all-drive.
There were some other perks added, including bluetooth compatibility and touchscreen navigation that makes driving so easy today.
- B8 (2009-2016)
Five inches longer, two inches wider than previous models, the B8 also had a longer wheelbase to run on. Sedan, convertible and wagon options were all offered. Both engines also got upgraded to increase horsepower and volume, with a “valve-lift” on the four cylinder that upped its hp to 211. The V6 reached 265.
More significantly, the creature comforts available in Audis were peaking, with the Audi Drive feature and an interface that was easy to use. Quattro models received an eight-speed gearbox.
In 2013, Audi made even more dramatic cosmetic changes for the a5, most importantly offering electronic steering for the first time. And on the V6, we’ve reached up to 333 horsepower.
- B9 (2017-Present Day)
The B9 began making some of the best features, such as a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, standard across the board on all models of A4. Horsepower went up on the four cylinder and V6 to 188 and 248, respectively. Less than the previous model, though again the four cylinder could be easily changed.
And though the B9 was larger than previous versions, it also weighed about 100 pounds less. This was because Audi had begun using only lightweight materials when constructing their automobiles.
And once again, further upgrades were made to make the driver more comfortable operating the car, though on some models in the U.S., like wagon or sedan, the virtual cockpit interface is no longer available.
A4 Highlights
While this make of car has never been a disappointment, there’s only one version most shoppers are clamouring for: The RS4. RS, or RennSport, was the sportiest version of the A4. But unfortunately, not that many were made or sold in the U.S. It was abruptly and unfortunately cancelled. Though it’s hard to come by, it’s still much sought-after.
What To Look For While Shopping
There are a few things one should look for while in the market for an A4. When shopping for any premium automobile, you’re often looking at cars loaded with extras and special features, many of which are electronic. As a result, many things can go wrong from years of previous ownership, so you need to be watchful of the car’s features.
If you’re not mechanically-inclined, then it would be best when shopping for a used A4 to get a car with a warranty. There would be exceptions to this; if you trusted the dealer or happened upon an RS4. But even then, you’ll want to have a healthy budget for future repairs.
Firstly, the four cylinder engine is probably the better choice. While it sounds slow as molasses, it can easily be reconfigured to meet your needs. They’re easy to work on, and if you don’t enjoy a lot of loud engine sounds while driving, a V6 is going to be problematic.
If you do opt for the 1.8L, check to see if the car is over 100,000 miles. It likely is, and if so the timing belt will have had to have been changed. If for some reason the previous owner did not change it, this is something you’ll need to take care of.
Changing the timing belt is necessary after 100,000 miles, otherwise you run the risk of serious engine problems down the line.
The V6, while sturdier, should also have its timing belt changed. However, it’s much harder to work on a V6, so if you do get one, make sure it’s done before purchasing. It’ll save you a lot of trouble later.
One should also always ask to take it for a test drive before purchasing. You don’t want the first time to sit behind the wheel of the car, engine on, to be after you’ve paid for it, only to learn the navigation’s busted or the transmission is wonky.
You’ll also want to check all the valves and hoses in the engine, some of which you won’t be able to do until after purchase. While you won’t get a good look at the valves, the hoses attached will be visible, so you can give them the proper buyer’s inspection.
While B6s are pretty rust-resistant, it’s still wise to check areas where rust normally builds, such as the wheel wells.
A4s are known for their snappy acceleration, great handling and an incredibly comfortable interior, but in the past year no new upgrades have been added to the current 2022 model.
What To Do After You Buy It
The first thing you’ll immediately want to do is replace the catalytic converter, which can get clogged very easily from years of service. Without a new one, the engine is going to be slower.
It also wouldn’t hurt to give your car the same once over you did at the dealership. Double checking is not being overly cautious in this case, it’s necessary to ensure nothing was missed. So take another look at the hoses and, if necessary, replace them all. Even if you’re uncertain, replacing hoses is not a costly expense.
The last thing you’ll want to check is the suspension, which can easily deteriorate. It’s also one of the easier fixes you’ll make, even if you need to replace the engine snub mount. This will give you much better handling, which is one of the reasons to own an A4.
Finally, if you don’t really know your way around cars, it might be best to take it for an examination at your mechanic to anticipate problems that could arise or catch things you may have missed.
Audi A4 Oil Types
The oil used in your A4 will depend on what model and year you have, and the manual should provide you a more correct answer, however, here’s some general information.
All diesel and gas engines are going to use a certain amount of oil, but it varies from engine to engine. Some factors that may contribute to how much is used are:
- The first 3,000 miles may use significantly more oil than on older cars that have already been driven.
- Habits and what you use the car for (work, travel, etc.) will put a strain on the oil.
- Wear over the years can increase the consumption of oil.
The key is finding oil with the correct viscosity for your engine. As mentioned, the manual should provide more accurate detail, though the brands listed above all meet the necessary viscosity requirements to help your A4 run smoothly and healthily.
For gas engines, oil that has a viscosity of 5W-30 and can maintain it no matter the temperature works best for an A4. A4s are known for consuming a lot of oil, and this type of oil should not burn away so quickly.
For diesel engines, you’ll want to use SAE 5W-30.
It’s always recommended to keep a quart of oil with you when traveling in the event of an emergency.
F.A.Q.
What is the Best oil for Audi?
Any of the oils listed above are ideal for an Audi A4, though the company itself recommends Castrol Edge for all its cars. To ensure you’re using the correct oil, check the label on the bottle, which should tell you if it’s approved, or visit an Audi dealer who can direct you to the right kind.
Is it Normal for an Audi A4 to Burn Oil?
Models earlier than 2012 have a fault in the gas engine that causes excessive consumption of motor oil in A4s, so if you have one, that might be why you’re experiencing so much trouble keeping oil in your engine.
Audi says that 1 quart of oil for every 600 or 700 miles is reasonable, while other companies set their rate at 1 quart every 1000 miles.
How Much Oil Does an Audi A4 Take?
How much oil an Audi A4 takes depends entirely on the engine’s size and type. For instance, a 4 cylinder takes less oil than a V6. Most cars require 5-8 quarts of oil.
Check your manual for the exact capacity of your engine. You want to be careful not to overfill your engine. While you may think you’re simply adding more protection for your engine, you’re actually gumming up the works and making the engine push itself harder to move as it should.