Parts for your 2020 Audi Q5-Spark plugs

2020 Audi Q5 spark plugs — what’s fitted and what to service

Per Audi’s 2020 Q5 owner’s literature and maintenance schedules used in AU/NZ, petrol TFSI variants (e.g., 45 TFSI, SQ5 TFSI) are fitted with spark plugs, while diesel TDI variants are not. Diesel Q5s rely on compression ignition and use glow plugs instead. Audi technical training on the EA888 petrol engines (used in the Q5 2.0 TFSI) and workshop schedules confirm spark plug fitment and routine replacement for petrol models.

For anyone driving a 2020 Q5 TFSI, spark plugs are a small part that makes a big difference. Their job is to ignite the air–fuel mix in each cylinder right on cue, thousands of times a minute. Fresh, correct-spec plugs help the engine start cleanly, run smoothly and deliver the fuel economy and power Audi designed into the car.

As part of regular servicing, spark plugs on the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI should be inspected and replaced at the intervals shown in the Audi maintenance schedule for your VIN. In practice, many AU/NZ schedules call for replacement roughly around the 60,000 km mark on TFSI engines, though this can vary with engine code and driving conditions. Short trips, lots of idling, or consistently heavy loads can bring that forward.

When replacement time rolls around, sticking with genuine or OEM-equivalent iridium/platinum plugs from the approved supplier list keeps heat range, electrode design and longevity as intended. Replace all plugs as a set, check coil boots for cracking, and make sure the plug gap is as supplied (modern fine-wire plugs are usually pre-gapped and shouldn’t be forced). Installation should be on a cool engine, with threads clean and dry, and tightened to the factory torque spec noted in the workshop manual—over-tightening can damage the head, under-tightening can lead to misfires.

If the Q5 starts feeling a bit lazy, drinks more fuel than usual, or flashes a check engine light, tired plugs could be the culprit. Common signs include:

• Hard starting or rough idle
• Sluggish acceleration or surging under load
• Higher fuel use and noticeable exhaust odour
• Misfire fault codes (e.g., P0300-series)

Because spark quality affects the health of the catalytic converter and turbo, it’s smart to keep plugs in shape rather than waiting for a misfire. For diesel Q5 owners, ignore spark plug talk—your engine uses glow plugs for cold starts and a completely different combustion process.

Popular questions about 2020 Audi Q5 spark plugs

How often should spark plugs be changed on a 2020 Audi Q5 45 TFSI?
Most AU/NZ service schedules point to around 60,000 kilometres for the 2.0 TFSI, but always follow the maintenance table in the owner’s manual or your dealer’s VIN-specific guidance. If the vehicle sees lots of short trips or towing, consider earlier inspection.

What spark plugs are best for a 2020 Q5 TFSI?
Use the Audi-approved iridium/platinum plugs specified for your engine code. OEM plugs from the listed suppliers maintain the correct heat range, reach and electrode design. Avoid “universal” plugs or changing heat ranges unless advised by Audi documentation.

Does a 2020 Audi Q5 TDI have spark plugs?
No. The diesel Q5 uses compression ignition and glow plugs for cold starts. Spark plugs only apply to petrol TFSI and SQ5 TFSI models.