Regardless of whether you drive a BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Mini, or Volkswagen, your car circulates a solution of water and coolant to dissipate the heat generated within the engine and prevent it from melting down completely (one notable exception are older Porsche models that are air and oil cooled and did not use water or coolant, but instead circulated a large amount of oil to dissipate the heat).
A Spectrum of Colors
Which coolant type is best for your BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Audi, or Volkswagen out of the many available options? The answer is the kind that was initially installed in your car. Your coolant may be green, pink, blue, yellow, or even clear depending on the manufacturer. All coolants are naturally transparent, and dye is used to give them color. Each company adds their own color mixture to their coolant; this has no impact on the coolant’s chemical properties. Because the water in Europe is substantially harder than the water in the United States, European manufacturers prefer coolant that is phosphate-free.
Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) are the three most common coolant types available today. A HOAT coolant is used by your BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Audi, or Volkswagen.
In order to protect aluminum surfaces, silicate is added to OAT coolants to create HOAT coolants. The cylinder heads and radiators, as well as other parts of your BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen engine and cooling systems, are constructed of aluminum.
Silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors are not used in OAT coolants. These coolants are made to last for 150,000 miles and have a long service life (or 5 years). It should be mentioned, nevertheless, that German Auto Center and the majority of manufacturers advise cleansing or replacing the coolant every two years.
The metal (Iron) components of the engine and cooling system are protected by traditional coolants, which are IAT coolants and use silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors. IAT coolants shouldn’t be utilized because the majority of the iron components in your BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Mini, Audi, and Volkswagen have been replaced with aluminum and other lighter composites.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that modern German performance cars, whether you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Mini BMW, Volkswagen, or Audi, will last you for many miles and years if you maintain them properly. German Auto Center in Austin is the place to go for German auto repairs. We will be pleased to help you!
In This Article...
What type of coolant does Audi advise?
Use ONLY Audi VW G11, G12+, G12++, or G13 Audi coolant antifreeze that has received OEM approval. Use of common store-bought coolant is NOT recommended since it frequently does not meet the requirements of an Audi cooling system. The cooling system in an Audi reacts negatively to inferior coolant.
Is the coolant used by all Audis the same?
The amount of coolant needed varies slightly depending on the manufacturer and model. Always consult your Audi A4 owner’s manual to learn the exact prize requirements.
What shade of coolant is Audi G13?
The G13 is colored purple or violet and has the same superb cooling and antifreeze performance as the G12++. The primary distinction is that glycerin, not glycol, is used in the manufacturing process.
Can Prestone antifreeze be used in an Audi?
For Audi 19972007, Volkswagen 19972008, Porsche 19992009, and Jaguar 1999 and newer, use our specially developed formula. This technology controls the engine’s temperature, keeps it from freezing, and guards against corrosion.
Can I mix coolant for an Audi?
The longevity of the Audi water pump is impacted by mixing OEM-approved coolant with any other coolant since it will have a negative chemical interaction with the current coolant. Immediately flush your cooling system thoroughly if your coolant is green or brown in hue.
The best coolant for an Audi A4 is…
Which coolant and antifreeze for the Audi A4 are the most widely used?
- From $15.99 for a gallon, Prestone All Vehicles 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant.
- From $18.99 for a gallon, Prestone All Vehicles Full Strength Antifreeze/Coolant.
- Gallon of Peak 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant, from $15.99.
Can G12 and G13 coolant be mixed?
- G11 blends well with G12+, G12++, or G13 but not G12
- G11 does not mix well with G12, however it does with G12+, G12++, and G13.
- G12+ blends nicely with G12++ and G13, as well as G11 and G12, although the corrosion protection is reduced.
- G12++ mixes nicely with G13, as well as G11, G12, and G12+, although the corrosion protection is reduced.
- G13 mixes nicely with G12++, as well as G11, G12, and G12+, however the corrosion protection is reduced.
What is coolant for an Audi G12?
Propylene glycol, often known as ethylene glycol, and additional ingredients make up engine coolant. G11, G12, and G13 are the three different varieties of antifreeze. What are the three’s distinctions then? G11 is a silicate base with inorganic additions that is either blue or green. G11 coolant is often used in automobiles made before 1996, although due to its poor heat transfer quality, some vehicles made up to 2016 may also use it. The useful life of this coolant is three years.
Carboxylate and ethylene glycol are the main components of the red or pink G12 coolant. It has an operating temperature range of 90 to 110 degrees and is utilized in high-performance engines. The service life of G12 coolant is 4-5 years. The G12, G12+ (Red), and G12++ coolants are the three different types (Purple). G13 coolant is a hybrid that contains silicate and organic ingredients in the right amounts. The lifespan of this coolant is five years.