Engine coolant is made up of propylene glycol, or ethylene glycol, and its own additives. There are three different types of antifreeze: G11, G12, and G13. So what are the differences between the three? G11 is blue or green and is made up of a silicate base that contains inorganic additives.
How do I know what type of antifreeze does my VW use?
Your VW coolant antifreeze expansion tank will usually have the coolant spec marked on the tank. Your owner's manual will also specify the VW coolant antifreeze spec and will usually list a part number. What Type of Coolant Antifreeze Does My VW Use?
What kind of coolant does a VW engine use?
Most Volkswagen and Audi engines use G12 coolant. You can’t mix G12 coolant with any other engine coolant. If you don’t have spare G12 coolant to add, then flush the coolant tank out and use the spare coolant you may have laying around.
What kind of antifreeze does an Audi G11 take?
Use ONLY OEM Approved Audi Volkswagen G11, G12+, G12++, or G13 VW coolant antifreeze. Do NOT use regular store-bought coolant, which typically doesn't correspond with the specifications of a VW cooling system. Inferior coolant has an adverse reaction within a VW cooling system.
What to do if there is no coolant in my Volkswagen?
Unscrew the cap carefully . Refill only new coolant according to the Volkswagen specification ( ) . Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive on. Seek professional assistance.
What coolant does a 2003 VW GTI 1.8 t take?
Pentosin 1.5 Liter Pink Concentrate Antifreeze.
Does VW need special antifreeze?
The only types of coolant you should put in your Volkswagen are either G11 or G12 approved anti-phosphate, anti-amine, anti-phosphorous coolant — whichever the owner's manual calls for using. Look on your expansion tank for the recombined coolant type as well.
What kind of antifreeze does a 2003 VW Jetta take?
Prestone - All Vehicles 50/50 Antifreeze / Coolant - Gallon (Part No. AF2100)
Can I use G13 coolant instead of G12?
Summary: The G13 has the same exceptional cooling and antifreeze performance as G12++, but it is manufactured using glycerin. Glycerin is much less harmful to the environment than glycol. The G13 is also excellent for cooling and protection against corrosion and chalk deposits.
What coolant is best for Volkswagen?
Volkswagen uses a specific Audi/VW G13 or G12 approved antifreeze. The exact kind that your particular model uses should be stamped on the expansion tank, as well as listed in the owner's manual. Volkswagen coolant is always pink or purple in color. Use the same color that your vehicle already has if you're topping up.
What color is G12 antifreeze?
red/pinkIndex number as standardVWBASFColourG12red/pinkG12+G30red/violetG12++G40red/violetG13purple4 more rows•Sep 11, 2017
What type of coolant is G12?
G12 coolant is red or pink and is made up of carboxylate and ethylene glycol. It is used in high-performance engines with operating temperatures of 90-110 degrees. G12 coolant has a service life of 4-5 years.
Does it matter what coolant I use?
Well, you use the coolant that is specified in your owner's manual. If you just need to top it up, the recommendation is still the same, however it is unlikely to cause any serious problems if you add a litre of a different type of coolant, as long as you follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
What is the difference between pink and blue coolant?
no dont mix them, pink is longer life (5 years) blue is normal (2 years) for some reason mixing the two counters the effects of the pink meaning you will still only have 2 year life. best is just to do a full coolant drop as 5 liters of pink premix is only about 12quid.
What happens if you mix G12 and G13?
G12++ mixes well with G13, also with G11, G12 and G12+ but there is a loss of corrosion protection. G13 mixes well with G12++, also with G11, G12 and G12+ but there is a loss of corrosion protection.
What cars use G13 coolant?
Let's take a quick look at the different VW specifications. Throughout the years their antifreeze specification has evolved, with the latest (G13) established in 2013....What you need to know about G13 antifreeze and coolant.G111994VW TL 774 CG12 / G12+1996VW TL 774 D/FG12++2005VW TL 774 GG132008VW TL 774 J (OEM Part Number: G013A8J1G)Nov 30, 2016
What coolant is equivalent to G13?
G12++purple/violet The G13 has a purple/violet colour and has the same exceptional cooling and antifreeze performance as G12++.
Does antifreeze have rust protection?
The quality of an anti freeze is no longer just determined by the antifreeze effect (which automatically exists in an ethylene-glycol-based product), but by the rust protection. That is why automakers subject antifreeze to lengthy corrosion and cavitation tests.
Can you use store bought coolant on a VW?
Do NOT use regular store-bought coolant, which typically doesn 't correspond with the specifications of an VW cooling system. Inferior coolant has an adverse reaction within an VW cooling system. Poor quality coolant contaminates the system and eats away at metal, rubber, and plastic components.
Is antifreeze a good coolant?
The quality of an antifreeze is no longer just determined by the antifreeze effect (which automatically exists in an ethylene-glycol-based product), which is critical for the quality of a coolant, but also the rust protection. That is why automakers subject antifreeze to lengthy corrosion and cavitation tests.
Can you mix G13 with G12?
The newest VW G13 coolant antifreeze specification is backwards compatible with all coolant specs VW used previously. So, this means it can be mixed with the earlier G11, G12, G12 plus, G12 plus plus coolant specs. However, we do recommend topping off your coolant tank with the same type of coolant that is currently in your VW cooling system.
What is in Engine Coolant?
Engine coolant is made up of propylene glycol, or ethylene glycol, and its own additives. There are three different types of antifreeze: G11, G12, and G13. So what are the differences between the three? G11 is blue or green and is made up of a silicate base that contains inorganic additives.
When Should Engine Coolant Be Changed?
A good rule of thumb when it comes to changing engine coolant is to refer to the owner’s manual. Typically, engine coolant should be changed every 3-4 years. The longer engine coolant runs in an engine, it begins to break down, becomes weak, and also becomes dirty.
