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Audi A3: How to Change Engine Oil

Replacing the engine oil in the Audi A3 is the most important piece of maintenance for a healthy engine. Read on to learn how to replace it yourself.

By Bassem Girgis - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3 (1996-2008).

The engine oil works as a lubricant to lubricate the inside of your Audi A3's engine. Inside your engine, there are a lot of moving metal parts, so when the engine oil starts losing its lubricative due to high temperature or age, it stops lubricating as well, which can cause permanent damage to the inside of your engine. The common engine oil replacement interval is every 5,000 miles. However, the older your car gets, and the more miles you have, the shorter your intervals should be. If you've passed 100,000 miles, start considering replacing the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. The process is simple and can be done rather quickly. Read on to learn how to replace the engine oil in your Audi A3.

Audi A3 How to Change Engine Oil

Materials Needed

  • Wrench
  • Drain pan
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Engine oil
  • Oil filter

Step 1 – Raise the car

Open your hood, then remove the oil cap. This will assist in letting your system breathe so it drains smoother. Use your jack to raise the front end of your car, then secure it with jack stands.

AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI OIL CHANGE HOW TO REPLACE CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN
Figure 1. Raise and secure your car.

Step 2 – Drain engine oil

Go under your car, and place your drain pan under your oil pan's drain plug. Use your wrench to loosen the drain bolt. When the draining slows down, remove the bolt completely and wait for the oil pan to drain completely.

AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI OIL CHANGE HOW TO REPLACE CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN
Figure 2. Drain the oil pan.

Step 3 – Replace oil filter

The oil filter is located on the bottom, at the front of the engine. You can't miss it if you're under the vehicle. Remove it with your oil filter wrench, or you can use an adjustable wrench, then install the new one. Rube some oil on the rubber seal before installing it.

AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI OIL CHANGE HOW TO REPLACE CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN
Figure 3. Replace oil filter.

Step 4 – Refill engine with oil

Make sure your drain bolt is closed, then refill the engine with oil through the filler hole. It takes roughly 4.5 quarts to fill the engine. Use your dipstick to see your oil level, then add or drain as needed.

AUDI A3 VW GTI 2.0T TFSI FSI TSI OIL CHANGE HOW TO REPLACE CHANGE REMOVE DRAIN
Figure 4. Refill engine oil.

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