[GWN7]

Blue, Pink or Purple?

Important Vw Coolant Reminders

As an independent Audi Vw service garage with over 23 years of hands-on experience, we know what fails on Vws and why. We feel that changing your fluids is one of the most important preventive maintenance routines. Yet, for many Vw owners, this seems to be one of the most neglected area of maintenance. Thoroughly flushing your fluids at the proper intervals can help your Vw reach 150,000 miles and beyond!

#1 Vw Coolant Change Intervals

Blauparts™ recommends changing 'long life' Vw coolant every 3 to 4 years. Why? The combination of chemical additives contained in coolant, responsible for retaining alkalinity and inhibiting corrosion within the engine's cooling system, over time become depleted. Similar to oil, Vw coolant eventually breaks down, becomes weak, and "gets dirty." For maximum corrosion protection and prolonged engine life, flushing Vw coolant every 3 to 4 years (40,000 – 50,000 miles) is imperative. Thoroughly flushing your Vw's coolant is most convenient when done during timing belt replacement.

#2 What Type Of Vw Coolant

Use ONLY Audi Vw G11, or G12 approved anti-phosphate, anti-amine, anti-phosphorous coolant! Do NOT use regular store bought coolant, which typically contains ethylene glycol and doesn't correspond with the specifications of a Vw cooling system. The specification or type of Vw coolant required for a particular model can be found stamped on the expansion tank (e.g. G11 or G12) as well as in the owners manual under the coolant section. It's also good to note the color of your coolant (e.g. pink or purple). See Vw Coolant Features section below for further Vw coolant information and specifications.

What happens if you don't use correct approved Vw coolant?
Inferior coolant has an adverse reaction within a Vw cooling system. Poor quality coolant contaminates the system and eats away at metal, rubber, and plastic components. Obvious external indicators are bulging coolant hoses and white calcified residue oozing from coolant hose clamp mating areas (See Image 2). Not so obvious is lime and scale deposits that begin to build-up in the radiator core, restricting coolant flow and causing the engine to run hotter (especially in summer and warmer climates). All of this eventually causes serious engine problems (i.e. water pump failure - See Image 1). If your coolant is green or brown in color, thoroughly flush your cooling system immediately! You'll notice similar warnings in your owners manual under the coolant section.

#3 Vw Coolant Concentration

Remember to check the concentration (pH) of your Vw coolant on a regular basis. It's especially important to maintain the correct Vw coolant concentration during winter to protect your system against freezing temperatures. If your coolant concentration is weak, change it. Over time, weak or contaminated coolant (incorrect pH) can cause serious engine problems (i.e. water pump failure, as mentioned above). It's also important to note that approved Vw coolant comes in concentrated form. You MUST dilute the coolant using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with coolant. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and can adversely affect your new coolant and cooling system.