Audi A8, S8, 4H (USA)

Brake fluid capacity & service interval

Audi A8, S8, 4H (USA) models require 1 liter of brake fluid. Service intervals include checking at 5000 miles or 12 months, checking at 10000 miles or 12 months, and changing every 24 months. The data covers 14 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
A8 3.0 TFSI quattro (245 kW) (2014-2018)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 10000 miles/ 12 months
  • Change 24 months
A8 3.0 TFSI quattro (245 kW) (2014-2018)
  • Use: First check only
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 5000 miles/ 12 months
A8 4.0 TFSI quattro (309 kW) (2013-2014)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 10000 miles/ 12 months
  • Change 24 months
A8 4.0 TFSI quattro (309 kW) (2013-2014)
  • Use: First check only
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 5000 miles/ 12 months
A8 3.0 TDI quattro (176 kW) (2012-2016)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 10000 miles/ 12 months
  • Change 24 months
A8 3.0 TDI quattro (176 kW) (2012-2016)
  • Use: First check only
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 5000 miles/ 12 months
A8 3.0 TFSI quattro (245 kW) (2012-2014)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 10000 miles/ 12 months
  • Change 24 months
A8 3.0 TFSI quattro (245 kW) (2012-2014)
  • Use: First check only
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 5000 miles/ 12 months
A8 4.0 TFSI quattro (309 kW) (2011-2013)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 10000 miles/ 12 months
  • Change 24 months
A8 4.0 TFSI quattro (309 kW) (2011-2013)
  • Use: First check only
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 5000 miles/ 12 months
A8 4.2 TFSI quattro (260 kW) (2010-2012)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 10000 miles/ 12 months
  • Change 24 months
A8 4.2 TFSI quattro (260 kW) (2010-2012)
  • Use: First check only
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 5000 miles/ 12 months
A8 6.3 W12 quattro (368 kW) (2010-2016)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 10000 miles/ 12 months
  • Change 24 months
A8 6.3 W12 quattro (368 kW) (2010-2016)
  • Use: First check only
  • Capacity 1 liter
  • Check 5000 miles/ 12 months

Additional Notes

  • A brake fluid system capacity of 1 liter is a service fill figure, representing the amount needed to top up or bleed the system during routine maintenance rather than a full hydraulic overhaul. All configurations across the Audi A8 4H lineup share this same 1-liter capacity value.
  • Every configuration listed carries two separate service entries for the brake system: one for normal ongoing use and one designated as "first check only." The first check only entry applies exclusively to the initial inspection interval and is not repeated in subsequent service cycles.
  • Under the first check only condition, the brake fluid inspection interval is set at 5000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. This shorter initial interval reflects the practice of verifying fluid condition and system integrity early in the vehicle's service life before transitioning to the standard schedule.
  • Under normal use conditions, the inspection interval extends to 10000 miles or 12 months. This doubled mileage threshold compared to the first check only interval applies to all engine variants listed, from the 3.0 TDI to the 6.3 W12.
  • The fluid change interval under normal use is set at 24 months across all listed configurations. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point, so time-based replacement intervals are standard practice regardless of mileage accumulation.
  • The first check only entries carry no fluid change interval, only an inspection interval. Fluid replacement at that early stage is not specified in the service data; the 24-month change interval is tied solely to the normal use condition.
  • The 3.0 TFSI quattro (245 kW) appears under two distinct year ranges: 2012-2014 and 2014-2018. Both ranges carry identical capacity and interval specifications, indicating no change in brake fluid service requirements between those production periods despite the separate entries.
  • Similarly, the 4.0 TFSI quattro (309 kW) is listed under two overlapping year ranges, 2011-2013 and 2013-2014, with identical specifications in both. The split likely reflects a mid-cycle variant distinction rather than any difference in brake system service requirements.
  • The 6.3 W12 quattro (368 kW), covering 2010-2016, shares the same 1-liter capacity and identical check and change intervals as the smaller-displacement diesel and petrol variants. Engine displacement and output level have no bearing on the brake fluid service specifications listed here.

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