What do we check at every Audi Q8 3.0 TDI service?
- Engine oil and oil filter – I recommend changing both every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of the oil used.
- Crankcase breather filter – we replace it every 80,000 km.
- A full diagnostic scan of every control module, plus a check for available software updates.
- We inspect the brakes, tyres and suspension.
- We check the AdBlue system and the DPF.
What should you have checked once a year?
- Cabin filters – the Q8 has several, not just one.
- We check the air suspension.
- We inspect the 48V battery and starter-generator.
Which service items need replacing regularly?
- Air filter and fuel filter – we replace both alongside the engine oil every 10,000 km or once a year.
- Brake fluid – change it every two years.
- Coolant – we replace it every third heating season.
- Eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox oil – we change it every 90,000 km, along with the transfer case and differential oils. Afterwards, we always carry out a gearbox adaptation.
What should you know about the engine and timing chains?
The 3.0 TDI is a V6 with its timing chains at the gearbox end of the engine. And there's something important I want you to know. If those chains wear out, we have to remove the engine to repair them. That's why, during a major service, we use diagnostics to check whether the timing chains have stretched. It's much better to know what you're dealing with before it turns into a bigger repair.
When do the Audi Q8 driver assistance systems need calibrating?
Had your windscreen replaced, the front end repaired or a wheel alignment done? Then the cameras and radars must be calibrated. Otherwise, your driver assistance systems might not respond correctly. Please don't skip this step after a repair.
If you get a fault warning for the 48V system, don't put it off. Your Q8 could lose some of its functions, and sometimes it might not even start.
A tip from Kris Mladenov: If you're leaving the car parked for several days, connect a battery maintenance charger. The Q8 is sensitive to a weak battery.
If you drive an Audi Q8 3.0 TDI, book your car in at Das Auto Service. We'll give it a thorough inspection, explain exactly what it needs and won't start replacing parts blindly.
What can you find in our shop?
Genuine LongLife III FE 0W-30 engine oil, 5 litres
Genuine engine oil meeting the specification for the 3.0 TDI. My advice is to change it every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, along with the oil filter, regardless of the oil used.
View in our shopGenuine automatic gearbox transmission oil, 1 litre
Genuine transmission oil for the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox.
View in our shopGenuine VAG AdBlue® fluid G052910M4, 10 litres
Genuine AdBlue fluid for the SCR system.
View in our shopGenuine VAG G12evo coolant G12E050A2, 1.0 litre
Genuine G12evo coolant, which we replace every third heating season.
View in our shopRead more
- Routine servicing at Das Auto Service
- Gearbox servicing
- Audi Q8 servicing: what we check during a major service
- Audi A6 C8 3.0 TDI service schedule
- 48V mild hybrid: the starter-generator in the Audi A6, A7, A8 and Q7
Frequently asked questions
How often should you change the oil in your Audi Q8 3.0 TDI?
I recommend changing the engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of the oil used.
Do you need to change the Tiptronic gearbox oil?
Yes, absolutely. And the gearbox needs an adaptation afterwards.
Does the Audi Q8 3.0 TDI have a mild hybrid system?
Yes, it has a 48V system with a starter-generator.