Volkswagen only utilizes antifreeze that is Audi/VW G13 or G12 certified. Both the owner’s manual and the expansion tank should be stamped with the precise type that your specific model employs.
The color of Volkswagen coolant is always pink or purple. If you’re topping off, choose the same color that your car already has. If you want to change colors, properly flush the coolant system first before applying the new color.
Approved Volkswagen coolant comes in concentrated form. You must diluted it with distilled water to a 50/50 concentration before using it in your engine. Use only distilled or bottled water for this.
Check the pH of your coolant frequently. For the best engine health, make sure you maintain the proper coolant concentration.
In This Article...
Can I put ordinary coolant in my VW?
What sort of antifreeze do you put in your Volkswagen then? It is strongly advised that you only use antifreeze that has been approved by Audi/VW under G13 or G12. Regular store-bought antifreeze frequently contains compounds that can damage gaskets and other system components.
What shade of coolant is VW 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.
What is G12 coolant, and how do I know?
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.
Is coolant from G12 and G13 compatible?
- G11 does not mix well with G12, however it does with G12+, G12++, and G13.
- G13 mixes nicely with G12++, as well as G11, G12, and G12+, however the corrosion protection is reduced.
- G12+ blends nicely with G12++ and G13, as well as G11 and G12, although the corrosion protection is reduced.
- G12++ mixes well with G13, as well as G11, G12, and G12+, but the corrosion protection is reduced.
- G11 blends well with G12+, G12++, or G13 but not G12
Are special coolants required for Volkswagen?
You should only use G11 or G12 authorized anti-phosphate, anti-amine, and anti-phosphorous coolant in your Volkswagen, depending on what the owner’s manual instructs you to use. Look for the recombined coolant type on your expansion tank as well. Never fill your Volkswagen with regular store-bought coolant, especially if it contains ethylene glycol, which will interfere with the system.
Inferior coolant will react adversely with the coolant system of your VW. Additionally, parts of the cooling system made of metal, rubber, and plastic might become corroded by poor quality coolant. Bulging coolant lines and white, calcified residue pouring out from under the hose clamps will make this clear. You won’t be able to observe the damage occurring internally. The radiator core will begin to accumulate deposits, which will impede the flow of coolant. This will eventually result in significant mechanical issues.
What happens if I fill my automobile with the wrong coolant?
The performance of the car can be hampered if the wrong coolant is used or if several types are mixed together. Additionally, the radiator’s corrosion may worsen. It’s crucial to remember that color alone cannot accurately identify the type of coolant you should use. The radiator, water pump, radiator hoses, cylinder gasket, and other components can suffer corrosion and other issues as a result of using the incorrect coolant. Having a qualified auto mechanic handle your vehicle’s maintenance is the greatest method to guarantee that you obtain the right coolant.
What makes G12 and G13 coolant different?
The G13 has a striking purple/violet color and the same great cooling and antifreeze performance as the G12++. The preference for glycerin over glycol in its manufacturing is the main distinction.
Can I mix coolant for a Volkswagen?
Although coolants can be combined as shown in the chart, it is always best practice to change the coolant because mixing coolants reduces their ability to defend against corrosion. As shown in the chart, while adding or topping off fluid levels, coolants might be mixed.
What automobiles utilize G13 coolant?
VW Coolant G13
- The VW model years from 2008 to the current used this coolant.
- compatible with every cooling system built after 1980.
- All G11, G12+, and G12++ coolants are compatible.
- Audi VW TL 744-J G13 coolant/antifreeze type, OEM approved.
- Additionally, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Skoda, and Seat employ this coolant.
How frequently should Volkswagen coolant be changed?
How frequently should a Volkswagen have its coolant changed? Typically, every 30,000 miles or every two years, you should have your Volkswagen coolant flushed.
Does the antifreeze’s color matter?
The truth is that coolant type cannot be accurately determined by coolant color. OAT coolants, for instance, are often orange, yellow, red, or purple in color. Most HOAT coolants are orange and yellow in color. IAT coolant that is older is now green. Manufacturer-sold coolants, such as the blue coolant sold by Honda, can further complicate problems.
Because of this, you should follow the instructions on the bottle and not rely solely on the color you’re pouring. If the description on the container confuses you, look up the appropriate coolant in your owner’s manual.
But if you forget the procedure after a few years, none of this will assist. In order to be ready when your engine ultimately requires flushing a few years down the road, keep track of the coolant you used and when.
Palmer, Zachary
Since he first learned what a car was, Zac Palmer has been a car geek, and he has no intention of changing his interests any time soon.
Which engine coolant do I need?
Choosing the appropriate antifreeze is crucial because it will flow directly into the engine of your car.
important. Choosing the appropriate kind for your vehicle is essential now that antifreeze has been developed.
Getting it right
Understanding that there are numerous varieties of antifreeze and that there is no single
The best course of action is to always use the antifreeze that your car’s manufacturer recommends. You may.
additionally utilize our convenient online lookup tool to locate the precise antifreeze for your vehicle.
A general guide to antifreeze
Antifreeze that utilises silicate-free, organic acid technology is typically required for vehicles built after 1998. (OAT). These
Different antifreeze formulations provide superior corrosion prevention, reducing the frequency of item replacement.
Typically, antifreeze that is not OAT-based and does contain silicate is required for vehicles manufactured prior to 1998.
Antifreeze at Halfords
We provide all of the top brands of antifreeze. Browse online and choose “click and collect” to
Pick it up at your neighborhood Halfords. Or, if you’d rather, you can make arrangements for delivery.
Keep in mind that maintaining your car is crucial if you’re unsure of if anything needs topping off.
In my VW, can I use Prestone coolant?
Yes. OAT coolant/antifreeze Prestone also has anti-corrosion components to safeguard your cooling system. It works well in all types of vehicles, provides equivalent levels of security, and causes no harm.
G12 is what kind of coolant?
Ethylene glycol and carboxylate are the foundation of G12, a pink or scarlet coolant. It has a service life of four to five years and doesn’t contain silicates. 1996 through 2001 model years using G12 coolant. This coolant has a boiling temperature of 118 C, or 245 F, and a freezing point of -50 C, or -58 F.
G12 coolant has a fifty to sixty percent ethylene glycol content, which enables it to function as effectively as possible. Additionally, it has roughly 5% distilled water in it. There are other ingredients, such as a dye for increased visibility.
G12 coolant has the drawback that it doesn’t stop rusting. It doesn’t begin to combat rust until after the process has begun. However, it is efficient in eliminating corrosion that has already begun to build.
Can I simply top off my car’s coolant?
Add the proper coolant to the reservoir if the coolant level is low (not the radiator itself). Either diluted coolant alone or a 50/50 blend of concentrated coolant and purified water are acceptable. Replace the cap and tighten it until you hear a click when the coolant reaches the cold fill line. Zip up the hood.
How long can I keep using the incorrect coolant?
Chemical bonds between organic and inorganic materials make up hybrid coolant. A hybrid coolant typically contains silicates, nitrites, oxygen, and glycol as its chemical constituents. These substances boost a car’s gas emissions while enhancing engine efficiency.
You cannot mix coolants on your own. Physical mixing is just mixing two coolants together, whereas chemical mixing involves combining the right minerals in a closed environment.
However, hybrid coolants enable you to travel 30,000 miles or more in total. This distance is merely a guess. It still depends on how often you use the automobile and how well the engine is maintained.
Because healthy gas emissions are combined with engine performance efficiency, most auto owners favor hybrid coolants.