Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (andyA6)
What's the difference between VW/Audi Cast iron and other car's cast iron?
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What's the difference between VW/Audi Cast iron and other car's cast iron?
A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT!
2
When refilling your coolant use ONLY (I mean ONLY) G12 from VAG Audi/VW. It's a special mix for our engines -V6 and 1.8-, DO NOT MIX WITH OTHER STUFF!
I saw during my yesterday's visit 2 cars with virtually ruined inner engine parts (expensive repair), and that was just from the last 2 days......, the owners of the cars used other coolant like from Havoline or whatever and it chewed up a lot. I was just about to buy some stuff from Pep Boys and was just checking in the owner's manual how much I need when I found this advice, and sure enough, the alarm bells rang loud, so off to the dealer with above result, man, I felt lucky...
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My tech says he sees that all the time in fall and winter.
Thought I share, sorry if this should be old news
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I saw during my yesterday's visit 2 cars with virtually ruined inner engine parts (expensive repair), and that was just from the last 2 days......, the owners of the cars used other coolant like from Havoline or whatever and it chewed up a lot. I was just about to buy some stuff from Pep Boys and was just checking in the owner's manual how much I need when I found this advice, and sure enough, the alarm bells rang loud, so off to the dealer with above result, man, I felt lucky...
My tech says he sees that all the time in fall and winter.
Thought I share, sorry if this should be old news
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
VWs have always been sensitive to coolant corrosion
I've had a bunch of VWs and have learned that I need to do three things to keep the cooling systems happy:
1) Always use the official VW coolant for your car. G12 for the newer cars, G11 for the older ones. Don't mix them. It will cost you about $5 per year more to use VW coolant. I think it's worth that.
2) Use distilled water when you change or add coolant mix. Minerals in tap water cause problems.
3) Change coolant at least every two years.
I had a '93 VR6 with a bad head gasket. Those engines used to have lots of corrosion problems.
--Dan Two '99 Passats ready for winter with fresh VW G12 and distilled water
I've had a bunch of VWs and have learned that I need to do three things to keep the cooling systems happy:
1) Always use the official VW coolant for your car. G12 for the newer cars, G11 for the older ones. Don't mix them. It will cost you about $5 per year more to use VW coolant. I think it's worth that.
2) Use distilled water when you change or add coolant mix. Minerals in tap water cause problems.
3) Change coolant at least every two years.
I had a '93 VR6 with a bad head gasket. Those engines used to have lots of corrosion problems.
--Dan Two '99 Passats ready for winter with fresh VW G12 and distilled water
Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (andyA6)
I am going to throw my 2 cents in here and say that the place that works on my 944 and the previous 2 Passats I owned said that using only VW coolant is a dealer hoax. I used Prestone anitfreese in all of my cars for years without a single problem. I use a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water and have not had any coolant related problem.
Now I do know that the power streering fluid is special and shouldn't be mixed with other over-the-counter fluids but as far as the engine coolant is concerned, I strongly feel you don't need to use only VW coolant.
However in the same breath I would use VW's coolant as long as the car is under warranty since I could see a dealer quickly using that as an excuse to exclude a warranty claim on engine damage.
I am going to throw my 2 cents in here and say that the place that works on my 944 and the previous 2 Passats I owned said that using only VW coolant is a dealer hoax. I used Prestone anitfreese in all of my cars for years without a single problem. I use a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water and have not had any coolant related problem.
Now I do know that the power streering fluid is special and shouldn't be mixed with other over-the-counter fluids but as far as the engine coolant is concerned, I strongly feel you don't need to use only VW coolant.
However in the same breath I would use VW's coolant as long as the car is under warranty since I could see a dealer quickly using that as an excuse to exclude a warranty claim on engine damage.
Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (bstrecker)
I susspect the coolant used in the new Passat's lasts 100k mile. So, I would verify compatibility with the existing coolant if your are doing anything short of a complete system flush.
I susspect the coolant used in the new Passat's lasts 100k mile. So, I would verify compatibility with the existing coolant if your are doing anything short of a complete system flush.
Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (bstrecker)
I can't say for sure that VW coolant has any magical powers that a good aftermarket coolant may not also have. But I can tell you that I saw the inside of a Corrado VR6 with not all that many miles on it and it was heavily corroded around the block/head interface. The very good VW mechanic who was working on it said the damage was due to the tap water/coolant combination being left in too long. The work he was doing had a $1000 price tag.
I figure that paying $15 for VW coolant and spending an hour draining, flushing, and refilling the coolant every other year is good insurance against problems like that. Other methods may work for other people...
I can't say for sure that VW coolant has any magical powers that a good aftermarket coolant may not also have. But I can tell you that I saw the inside of a Corrado VR6 with not all that many miles on it and it was heavily corroded around the block/head interface. The very good VW mechanic who was working on it said the damage was due to the tap water/coolant combination being left in too long. The work he was doing had a $1000 price tag.
I figure that paying $15 for VW coolant and spending an hour draining, flushing, and refilling the coolant every other year is good insurance against problems like that. Other methods may work for other people...
Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (andyA6)
There are two types of coolant: the old, standard, stuff, that must be flushed every two years, and the new stuff that will last up to 100,000 miles. The important thing is NOT to mix the two, as they aren't compatible. This isn't specific to VW.
There are two types of coolant: the old, standard, stuff, that must be flushed every two years, and the new stuff that will last up to 100,000 miles. The important thing is NOT to mix the two, as they aren't compatible. This isn't specific to VW.
Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (jeffp25)
My '91 16v needed a serious flush after using aftermarket coolant. Sure it's expensive, but if it keeps the radiator happy, use the vw stuff.
My '91 16v needed a serious flush after using aftermarket coolant. Sure it's expensive, but if it keeps the radiator happy, use the vw stuff.
Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (Freddytuba)
G12 is just that G12 (the pink/orange stuff) you can use ANY G12... it's all the same.
As mentioned, just don't put the green stuff in and you'll be fine... my dealers service dept say's it's just fine to use whatever G12 you can buy at the auto store, and recommends it, since theirs is so pricey.
Just avoid the greenstuff.
G12 is just that G12 (the pink/orange stuff) you can use ANY G12... it's all the same.
As mentioned, just don't put the green stuff in and you'll be fine... my dealers service dept say's it's just fine to use whatever G12 you can buy at the auto store, and recommends it, since theirs is so pricey.
Just avoid the greenstuff.
Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (bstrecker)
I believe that all of the admonishments not to use any other coolant
but G12 originate in Germany. I have never seen, or produced myself,
any document that authorizes any Dealership employee to lie about the
necessity of using G12.
It all seems perfectly clear...The Manufacturer advises a specific course of
action regarding coolant...If you don't do that; the bill is yours for any
work that needs to be done if the *other coolant* causes a verifiable problem.
I believe that all of the admonishments not to use any other coolant
but G12 originate in Germany. I have never seen, or produced myself,
any document that authorizes any Dealership employee to lie about the
necessity of using G12.
It all seems perfectly clear...The Manufacturer advises a specific course of
action regarding coolant...If you don't do that; the bill is yours for any
work that needs to be done if the *other coolant* causes a verifiable problem.
Re: A word of advice from my local Audi/VW tech, coolant/IMPORTANT! (vwguild)
I'll stay out of the debate of 12 vs regular. However, the biggest problem comes from mixing the two togeather (topping off with a different type). The combined formula turns into a sludge and blocks up the system!
I'll stay out of the debate of 12 vs regular. However, the biggest problem comes from mixing the two togeather (topping off with a different type). The combined formula turns into a sludge and blocks up the system!
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
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