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.
For optimum engine health, make sure to maintain the proper coolant concentration and regularly check your coolant pH.
In This Article...
For a Volkswagen, what kind of coolant do I need?
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.
Your VW’s coolant system will respond negatively to inferior coolant. 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.
Can I fill my VW with ordinary 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.
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.
What shade of antifreeze is 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.
VW G12 coolant is what color?
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. 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 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!
What shade of coolant is universal?
Until the advent of today’s extended-life coolants, traditional North American “green antifreeze” was the original “universal formula” that everyone utilized.
How do you refill the coolant in a Volkswagen?
Adding Coolant to Your Volkswagen If you notice that your Volkswagen requires additional coolant, just unscrew the blue cover and top off the reservoir to the maximum fill line, but not higher. Use the proper coolant for your vehicle by being careful. To maintain optimal performance, appropriate fluids are needed for all VW models.
G12 and G13 can I mix?
- G11 does not mix well with G12, however it does with G12+, G12++, and G13.
- 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.
- 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
Can I substitute G12 coolant for G13?
G13 doesn’t work well with lead solder, so it’s not recommended for older cooling systems with copper/brass radiators and heater cores. Instead, use antifreeze that meets G11 or G12 specifications.
Is G13 coolant uniform throughout?
2013 saw VW establish the G13 specification for coolant and antifreeze. What distinguishes it from the G11, G12, G12+, and G12++ predecessors? Continue reading to definitively determine the differences.
Let’s quickly review the various VW specifications. Their antifreeze specification has changed throughout time, with the most recent (G13) being established in 2013.
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. Compared to glycol, glycerin is far less damaging to the environment. One is a byproduct of the creation of biodiesel, and the other is made from mineral oil.
G13 production is thought to result in 11% fewer CO2 emissions than antifreeze with glycol.
The G13 is great for cooling, protecting against corrosion, and preventing chalk deposits in addition to providing protection against freezing.
Silicate additives for use in radiators with aluminium
G13 has certain silicate additives to provide further aluminum healing protection. Contrary to certain prior OAT-technology-based specifications G13 is perfect for long-term usage in all contemporary radiators, notably those made of aluminum, cast iron, and magnesium alloys thanks to silicate additions.
On the other hand, older cooling systems with copper/brass radiators and heater cores are not the ideal candidates for G13. Lead solder doesn’t function well with it. Instead, use antifreeze that meets G11 or G12 specifications.
How to upgrade to G13 from an older type of antifreeze
G13 antifreeze is backwards compatible with contemporary radiator types. However, if you’re switching from a different kind of coolant, we advise completely cleansing your cooling system. Thus, the cooling system is kept clean.
Can’t get your cooling system to flush? To learn which varieties you can blend without risk, consult this table. Wolf supplies coolants that are G11, G12+, and G13 specific.
Miscibility of several coolant types:
Note: To achieve a protection temperature of 36C, dilute antifreeze with distilled or deionized water to a 50/50 proportion. Your new antifreeze and cooling system could be harmed by ordinary tap water because it has a range of pH, mineral, and chemical contents.
Summary:
- The G13 is also very good at cooling and guarding against rust and chalk buildup.
- Compared to glycol, glycerin is far less damaging to the environment.
- The G13 is made using glycerin yet has the same great cooling and antifreeze capabilities as the G12++.
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.
G12 coolant: What does that mean?
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.
How soon can I drive after adding coolant?
After adding coolant, how long should I let the engine run? Waiting for at least 15 minutes will allow the hood, engine, and leaking coolant to cool, which is what’s most crucial, he explains.