Coolant question

[FastCarFan]

I have a few questions about coolant that I am hoping the Pelican brain-trust can answer....

I have a 2004 VW R32, which has a 3.2-liter VR6 engine. This evening a warning message came on the computer that said the coolant was low. It probably isn't too low because the light went out after the engine warmed up. Still, I am sure I need to top-off the coolant.

According to the owner's manual, "The proportion of coolant additive must be at least 40% but not more than 60%...." It also says, "Never use any coolant additive other than our G 12 A8D additive...This coolant is available at VOLKSWAGEN dealers."

It goes on to explain the importance of the proper coolant in preventing corrosion, etc. "Under no circumstances may G 12 A8D be mixed with other coolant additives." It explains that the proper coolant is red, but if it is brown it means someone has mixed in another type of coolant, & it should be flushed out immediately. "Mixing coolant additives can result in serious malfunction or engine damage!"

I stopped at AutoZone on the way home & checked out their coolant products. Each brand advises that their coolant is universal & can be mixed with ANY color coolant.

My questions:

1- Can I add this so-called universal coolant without risk to my engine? Are you absolutely sure?

2- If not, do you think the required coolant is available at an Audi dealership (which is much closer to my home than a VW dealer)?

3- Does it matter that I am probably only going to add a small amount of coolant to top it off?

As always, thanks for your insightful answers.

[fastfredracing]

A small ammount of that "universal coolant will probablyl not hurt, but if is not an emergency , I would wait and put the right coolant in. Audi Coolant is the exact same product. I think the bottle is labled VW/Audi coolant when you buy it .

[javadog]

If you test the coolant and have sufficient protection for the temperatures that you expect, you're better off adding water, if the quantiity to be added isn't much, than another type of coolant. I recommend using the factory coolant.

Then you'll want to look for the leak...

JR

[RANDY P]

get rid of the G12 and load in something else, anything except green. I've used Dex-Cool in vR6. No issues.

[Dave L]

and where exactly did the coolant go?????

[FastCarFan]

Originally Posted by Dave L

and where exactly did the coolant go?????

Not sure, but it will likely turn 90,000 miles next week & this is the 1st time I have had to add any coolant. Level is just below the "add" mark, & no signs of leaks on the garage floor. I didn't think it was very low because the light went out after the car warmed up. FWIW, it was 14 degrees when I got in the car.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Since I don't think there is any chance of overheating -- it is supposed to drop to single digit temps tonight -- I think I will just watch it & get the proper VW-recommended coolant as soon as I can.

[FastCarFan]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

get rid of the G12 and load in something else, anything except green. I've used Dex-Cool in vR6. No issues.

Curious, why get rid of the VW-recommended coolant? I would think VW knows the best coolant to put in its engines.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Mixing coolant is not good, in some cases it can cause a nasty jell-like concoction. My C36 also required G12 coolant, I used Zerex G05 when I flushed it. The G05 meets G12 standards and was available at my local Autozone. For a top-off, I'd go with the OEM stuff.

[Mericet]

My TDI does the same thing on cold mornings. As soon as it runs for a while, the light goes off. You can source G12 from a number of vendors. If you were a little closer (or happen to drive to Columbus) you could stop by and I would be happy to give you a small amount.

[GothingNC]

Originally Posted by Mericet

My TDI does the same thing on cold mornings. As soon as it runs for a while, the light goes off. You can source G12 from a number of vendors. If you were a little closer (or happen to drive to Columbus) you could stop by and I would be happy to give you a small amount.

Same here with my wifes TDI.
I picked up a gallon of coolant from the local dealership-pink stuff .
Just had to add about an ounce this winter mixed with distilled water.