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.
Concentrated Volkswagen coolant is available. 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 fill my VW with regular coolant?
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.
Can G12 and G13 coolant be combined?
- G12++ mixes nicely with G13, as well as G11, G12, and G12+, although the corrosion protection is reduced.
- G12+ blends nicely with G12++ and G13, as well as G11 and G12, although the corrosion protection is reduced.
- 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.
- G11 blends well with G12+, G12++, or G13 but not G12
What is G12 coolant, and how can I know?
Propylene glycol, often known as ethylene glycol, and additional ingredients make up engine coolant. There are three different forms of antifreeze: G11, G12, and G13. What are the three’s distinctions then? G11 is blue or green and is made out of a silicate base that contains inorganic additions. 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
- OEM Approved Audi VW TL 744-J G13 coolant antifreeze type.
- Additionally, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Skoda, and Seat employ this coolant.
The pink antifreeze is what?
HOAT phosphate (P-HOAT) This coolant comes in pink or blue coloring. Phosphated HOAT combines organic acids and phosphates to stop corrosion. Models from automakers like Hyundai, KIA, and Honda can use this coolant.
Is distilled water OK for use as coolant?
You should top off your radiator with the best water you have if you don’t have any coolant on hand. This water should ideally be distilled. You can also use tap or bottled water. Remember that minerals in tap or well water can build deposits throughout your cooling system, causing corrosion and shortening the radiator’s lifespan.
What is the lifespan of VW coolant?
Similar to oil, coolant eventually degrades, loses strength, and “gets dirty.” Flushing VW coolant antifreeze every 4 to 5 years (50,000 to 60,000 miles) is crucial for preventing corrosion and extending engine life.
Possibly mixing G12 and G12+
While it is generally advised to dilute antifreeze with deionized or demineralized water, Coolant Concentrate G12, G12+ is made to be adaptable to various water qualities and is compatible with hard water. Other coolants and Coolant Concentrate G12, G12+ can be safely used together as they are entirely miscible. It is advised to flush and drain cooling systems that include traditional mineral coolants first before recharging with diluted Coolant Concentrate G12, G12+ since Coolant Concentrate G12, G12+ uses an inhibitor type that is considerably different from that used in those classic mineral coolants. Failure to do so could drastically reduce the product’s performance and lifespan.
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.
Coolants cannot be mixed 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.
Can you drive while the coolant is low?
Electric cars, hybrid cars, diesel engines, and gasoline engines all inherently produce heat. Some of this heat is directed into the interior of your automobile when you turn on the heater for comfort. However, there are other ways to control the majority of the heat.
Your car relies on a liquid known as antifreeze, sometimes known as engine coolant, to guarantee that the engine maintains an ideal working temperature. Driving with insufficient coolant could cause your engine to overheat, which is usually bad for your engine, your car, and your trip!
Rising Temperature Gauge Inclining Towards Red
After a while of driving, you get used to where your temperature gauge is when everything is in order. One of the most telling signs that anything is amiss with your cooling system is if it begins to lean toward red. If you see this while driving, stop, then lift the hood. By doing this, you’ll be able to start identifying the issue and help the engine cool.
Heater Not Working or Supplying Hot Air
The leftover heat produced by your engine is used by the heater in your automobile. You can have issues with your interior heating system if your cooling system fails. This may indicate a problem with your cooling system if there is a continuous flow of hot air or if there is no heat at all.
Poor Fuel Economy
Fuel will burn efficiently if your engine is running at the right temperature, resulting in reduced usage. However, you will notice low fuel efficiency and increasing emissions as the temperature rises.
A Sweet Smell
Coolant has a particular pleasant fragrance. In the cabin, you could smell it if it leaks as a result of the high temperatures. Knowing this fragrance can help you identify a cooling system issue before you sustain serious damage.