Types of Fuel An Audi A3 Requires To Function Well (Explained)
This article will cover in-depth the exact types of fuel an Audi A3 requires to function well. We will sort out all your queries and confusion regarding other possible fuel variations available in the market for your Audi A3.
However, before we move into the details, let’s first briefly introduce the Audi A3.
At present, in its 4th Generation, Audi A3 is an amazing and luxurious C-segment automobile, which the German manufacturing company Audi manufactured back in 1996. Its body style consists of two styles such as; a hatchback consisting of 5 or 3 doors and a saloon consisting of 4 doors. Its layout includes an engine at the front, front-wheel-drive, or 4-wheel/Quattro.
Let’s go through a brief outline of this article regarding the correct types of fuel for an Audi A3 before jumping into the explanation;
To summarize, Audi A3’s gasoline engines can utilize a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline or above 87 (Regular, unleaded) for all the models and generations (2003 onwards). However, manufacturers recommend utilizing a 91-octane-graded gasoline to function better. For Audi A3’s diesel engines, owners recommend using Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel (No. 2) or biodiesel. Use top-tier detergent gasoline to have a better performance.
Generation-wise Type of Fuel An Audi A3Uses
However, by going through the owner manuals of Audi A3, and reviews of people around the globe driving an Audi A3, all the data here concerning the correct type of fuel for your Audi A3 (gasoline or diesel), according to its four generations and their corresponding engines, is here to help you with all of your confusions. Let’s Start!
The Audi A3– 1st Generation- 1996 to 2003
Engines under the first-generation Audi A3 function well on a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline (Regular, unleaded) or higher, but at least 87 Octane.
The Audi A3– 2nd Generation- 2004 to 2012
The second generation of Audi A3 functions well on a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline (Regular, unleaded) or higher, but at least 87 Octane. However, manufacturers recommend utilizing a 91-octane-graded gasoline to function better.
Following are the two engines that the first Generation of Audi A3 offers;
- 2.0 L (inline-4 gasoline)
- 3.2 L 6-cylinder gasoline
The Audi A3– 3rd Generation- 2013 to 2020
The third generation of Audi A3 functions well on a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline (Regular, unleaded) or higher, but at least 87 Octane. However, manufacturers recommend utilizing a 91-octane-graded gasoline to function better. For Audi A3’s diesel engines, owners recommend using Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel (No. 2) or biodiesel. Audi Q5 fuel types are similar to Audi A3.
Following are the four engines that the third generation of Audi A3 offers;
- 2.0 L (inline-4 gasoline)
- 1.8 L (inline-4 gasoline)
- 1.4 L (inline-4 hybrid)
- 2.0 L diesel
The Audi A3– 4th Generation- 2020 to Present
The fourth generation of Audi A3 (the current most Generation) functions well on a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline (Regular, unleaded) or higher, but at least 87 Octane. However, manufacturers recommend utilizing a 91-octane-graded gasoline to function better.
Following is the engine that the current generation of Audi A3 offers;
- 2.0 L (inline-4 gasoline)
Diversity of Fuel Other Than Conventional Gasoline
Which Other Varieties of Fuel Are Compatible With Audi A3?
Today, we have various automobile fuel options, from Reformulated Fuel (RFG) to different additives and blends, along with other types of fuel an Audi A3 requires. But the question is, are they even compatible with an Audi A3? Are they effective? Read more about other nonconventional fuel options available in the market.
We will address this question quickly in the below section of this article, so Hang On!
Gasoline comprising Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT)
It is suggested by the manufacturers of the Audi A3 not to add any additive based on Manganese since it can damage the system of your vehicle that controls the emissions. If it is used in vehicles that are not recommended, it can lead to much harm.
With an exception for the second Generation, for which drivers can use MMT or MTBE only if;
- The vehicle has an AKI of 87 Octane
- A blend containing MTBE, not beyond 15 percent.
Gasoline comprising Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT) was used to improve the poor quality octane of fuel and seize the knocking noise produced by engines back then. The same case is with the MTBEs.
Biodiesels
Biodiesel oils are very nature friendly since they are soyabean oil derivatives. Canola and yellow grease are the sources and are biodegradable. Although biodiesel oils are very nature friendly since they are derived from cooking oil (wasted), vegetable, and soybean oils, through a process called “Trans-esterification.”
Audi A3 diesel engines can use biodiesels, but with some crucial things kept in heads;
3rd Generation of Audi A3 can use biodiesel, but they can increase the stances of seepage of diesel into the engine. This increases the level of engine oils, decreasing their quality.
Reformulated Gasoline Fuel (RFG)
Audi always stays neutral when it comes to suggestions regarding RFG consumption. This might be because Audi is a German brand, and RFGs are not available in the European market.
However, Audi A3’s experienced drivers recommend using RFG whenever available over a non-reformulated gasoline fuel. It is also best recommended for the area having smog at a higher concentration to decrease air pollution.
For cleaner and greener burning, and with a nature-friendly impact, Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) is produced, which causes reduced smog, and less toxic pollutants than regular gasoline, having no negative impacts. It is said to increase the miles per gas number of your vehicle.
Audi A3 Manufacturer’s Suggested Fuel
Audi A3 owners recommend using Top-tier detergent gasoline, which keeps the engines clean and away from debris. Use a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline (Regular, unleaded). And for diesel engines, use Ultra-Low-Sulfur diesel fuel (No # 2)
Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends for Audi A3
Audi A3 can function on oxygenated blends. Audi recommends using 10% ethanol (E-10) for its first two generations. At the same time, Audi A3’s third and fourth Generations use up to 15% ethanol (E-15).
Gasoline with Added Cleaning Agents
To keep your engine clean, safe, and up to the standards of emission, TOP-TIER detergent gasoline is highly recommended for Audi A3.
It is suggested that the Audi A3 should utilize a gas mixed with a large concentration of agents used for cleaning. Cleaning agents such as; additives are recommended so that your vehicle remains safe from deposits and debris and to keep your vehicle’s engine free from the excessive buildup of Carbon in the valves and injectors.
These are readily available with your nearest top-tier retailers. These cleaning additives increase the performance of your car.
Prohibited Additives
Additives prohibited by Audi A3’s manufacturers include;
- Solvents
- Methanol
- Silicon
- Any metal-based ones
- Kerosene
- Additives based on metals
You can read: Types of Fuel A Toyota RAV4 takes
Point to Ponder!
“My Audi A3’s Engine Knocks Afterwards Refilling”- What Does It Indicate?
If you put a lower than 87 octane-rated gasoline in your Audi A3, it degrades the performance and economy of the engine. Gasoline will burn prematurely if one puts a lower-octane gas in a machine with higher compression. It causes an unsmooth burn and engine knock.
Hence, it is highly crucial to use the correct gasoline fuel with the right octane grading.
If you hear a fainted-knocking sound from your Audi A3’s engine, it indicates no danger. But if you hear a loud knocking sound from your engine, it is due to the usage of a lower quality and lower octane gasoline.
Read in detail about knocking of engine and its causes.
How Can I Reduce “Knocking Noise” from My Audi A3’s Engine?
To reduce the knocking-like noise in your Audi A3, fill up your tank with a recommended minimum of 87 Octane-graded gasoline or a mid-graded 91-octane gasoline or greater. Use at most 87 octane-graded gasoline.
Can All the Generations of Audi A3 Consume RFGs as Fuel?
You must be pondering if all generations of Audi A3 are suitable for using Reformulation Gasoline Fuel, so the answer to this is YES!
Audi always stays neutral when it comes to suggestions regarding RFG consumption. The reason for this might be that Audi is a German brand, and RFGs are not available in the European market.
However, Audi A3’s experienced drivers recommend using RFG, whenever it is available, over a non-reformulated gasoline fuel. It is also best recommended for the areas having smog at a higher concentration to decrease air pollution.
RFG has also been compulsory for almost nineteen states and regions in the United States of America to use less toxic fuel to protect the quality of air.
How to Locate a Flex-Fuel Vehicle?
Following are the ways to locate a flex-fuel engine in your vehicle;
A yellow bezel surrounding the inlet of the fuel tank indicates that your vehicle is flex-fuel. If you are unable to find it there, then you can check out the door of your fuel tank as well.
However, Audi A3’s manufacturers do not allow it to run the engine on an E-85, even if it is flex-fuel.
Audi A3 Users’ Reviews – Regular or Premium Gasoline, Which One Do They Recommend?
After leading revisions from various forums, journals, and reviews of the people using Audi A3 globally, the conclusion about the types of fuel an Audi A3 requires, is that; the regular, unleaded gasoline with 87 Octane-rating has proved to work well for them, for all the generations and model years of Audi A3.
Moreover, many drivers have stated that premium 91 octane-graded gasoline proves to work much better for their A3. However, manufacturers also recommend utilizing a 91-octane-graded gasoline to function better.
Conclusion
To conclude, in its 4th generation, Audi A3 is an amazing and luxurious C-segment automobile, which the German manufacturing company Audi manufactured back in 1996.
Its body style consists of two styles such as; a hatchback consisting of 5 or 3 doors and a saloon consisting of 4 doors. Its layout consists of an engine at the front, front-wheel-drive, or 4-wheel/Quattro.
About the types of fuel an Audi A3 requires; Audi A3’s gasoline engines can utilize a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline or above 87 (Regular, unleaded) for all the models and generations (2003 onwards). However, manufacturers recommend utilizing a 91-octane-graded gasoline to function better.
For Audi A3’s diesel engines, owners recommend using Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel (No. 2) or biodiesel. Use E-10 for the first two generations, whereas, use E-15 for 3rd and 4th generation.
