How Often Should the Oil Be Changed?

Oil Change Intervals
According to Audi's recommendations, the oil should be changed every 15,000 km or at least once a year. We believe that drivers who travel exclusively long distances should also consider 15,000 km as the upper limit. On the other hand, those who use the Audi mainly for short trips should change the oil considerably sooner. In cold weather, the oil should be changed at least every six months, regardless of possibly low mileage. With exclusively city driving, consider changing the oil after four months.

Those who use single-grade oil should change it according to the time of year, in spring and autumn, so that the oil matches the outside temperatures.

Oil Change: Where and How?
The engine oil should be changed with the engine warm, so that the draining oil carries away all the dirt.

With growing environmental awareness, most people are probably already aware of the consequences of used oil entering groundwater and the resulting effects on drinking water. Thanks to waste legislation, proper disposal of used oil drained during an oil change is now very simple: it can be turned in free of charge at the store where you bought the replacement oil. Retailers are required to accept used oil; as proof of purchase, you only need to present the sales receipt. It is even easier if you use a suction device for draining old oil at a filling station, in which case you do not have to deal with the used oil at all.

In our experience, oil changes at workshops are the most expensive, because only very expensive grades of oil are used there. In addition, the engine often cools down again before the used oil has finished draining. The bill also usually includes at least the labor for replacing the oil filter.

At filling stations, the vehicle is generally serviced immediately. You can choose a less expensive oil from those sold at the station, and the labor is already included in the price of the oil.

There is nothing against changing the oil yourself, with the old oil removed by suction at a filling station, but only if the oil filter is also replaced every 15,000 km. This can be done by yourself.

Changing the oil yourself is only worthwhile if you can buy the oil cheaply at an automotive parts store.

What Is Needed for an Oil Change?
Engine oil of the specified grade (in most cases available in a cost-effective 5-liter canister).

New gasket for the drain plug threaded plug.

Oil filter, for example Audi – No. 056 115 561 G for 4-cylinder engines, 035 115 561 for 5-cylinder engines, and 034 115 561 A for 6-cylinder engines, or equivalent filters under various manufacturers' designations available at automotive parts stores.

Drain pan for used oil. An old oil canister with one side cut out or an old large pot is suitable.

A used oil canister will be used to transport the used oil.

A funnel makes it easier to pour in fresh engine oil.

A strap wrench will help loosen the oil filter.