What VW/ Audi Coolants Can & Can't be Mixed? (G12/G13) | AskDap

[@TwoQs]

It blows my mind how hard it is to find the coolant needed for these cars.

[@richardsealey3626]

Not if you purchase it from a VW agent................................

[@charleshines1553]

It will also blow your mind when you get an invoice to repair damage from incompatible coolants mixing!! Order it online if you must!! A lot of places give free shipping if you buy enough stuff. You might not need $50 worth of coolant but maybe you are planning an oil change too? Maybe you need a new air filter? It adds up fast and then you have free shipping.

[@jsplasha]

Its really not. Use the orange stuff made for Chryslers, Saturns, Saabs, Hummers and Oldsmobiles. You know, all the best car makers. Ok but seriously. Do it. Its literally exactly the same as the purple stuff, completely compatible, you can (and I have) even mixed the two together with no issue, they are both HOAT coolant. The only difference is that it's 1/3 the price, available everywhere, is rated for 100,000km longer life, but it does contain phosphates unlike G13, which doesn't. But you want the phosphates. Phosphates are good. The reasons G13 doesn't have phosphates is entirely because of European environmental regulations. It has nothing to do with anything about the car at all. In fact taking the phosphates out really made it a crappy coolant. It gums up. It doesn't have the same cleaning properties. A little dirt in the system, it can't do anything about it, it just builds up, forms pockets, the coolant gels around it, and there goes your pump. This is why you see so many water pumps failures on these cars. Stupid environmental regulations. Get the orange stuff, never change your coolant again, and you'll never have a water pump failure. In fact, the replacement for g13, g12evo, puts the phosphates back in

[@ezzedsg2298]

@@charleshines1553 yup ! I live in Florida and as far as I know the only way to get hands on this type of coolant is online only :/

[@tonyyero7231]

The ONLY video that made sense of VW

[@wesleyhurd3574]

This was helpful. However, drivers that live in areas which experience extreme temperatures should avoid topping off with plain water whenever possible. If it can't be avoided, the proper coolant concentrate should be added to bring the system back to a 50/50 mix as soon as possible. This is a quote from a VW document: The recommended mixture ratio is 50:50. If greater frost protection is required the amount of [coolant concentrate] can be increased, but only up to 60%. This provides frost protection to approx. -40oC (-40oF). Do not reduce the coolant concentration by adding water, even in warmer seasons/countries, as cooling effectiveness will be reduced.

[@chaddross1920]

Never thought I’d be looking up what antifreeze to put in my car idk why manufactures make everything so complicated

[@mailjabber]

I did this today on my ‘16 Tiguan. I emptied 2 coolant hoses but the the radiator had no petcock or lower hose, so I ran 8 gallons of distilled water drain the return line into a bucket and then added my fresh G13. Easiest flush ever (with someone holding the throttle at 2000 rpm. ) Thanks Paul!

[@user-rf3cr2ux5d]

When doing this. When do you to stop adding water in the coolant bottle/tank and start pouring in the new coolant. Also do you need to stop adding water, wait for it all to come out of the return pipe, then start adding new coolant or can you just start adding new coolant in straight away after flushing with water?

[@mailjabber]

@@user-rf3cr2ux5d You need to make sure the engine is uptown operating temp and the heater is on high, this makes sure the radiator and the heater core are getting flushed too. It took 8 gallons of distilled water until the whole system was running clear. The water is hot, and I was using the plastic distilled water bottles and they were deferring from the heat, use a 5 gallon bucket and use a hose exteion on the cooling ball return line, if you can. Once the system ran clear woter only out, I added 4 liters of G13 concentrate. The specs on my car are that the cooling system is 8L total and I needed a 50/50 mix. You'll need to check the specs for your car.

[@user-rf3cr2ux5d]

​​@@mailjabberthanks for the reply. Planning to do this flush in the next few days so had a couple questions on the specifics. In terms of setting up, do I just remove the coolant cap and return line and connect the line to a hose into a bucket. Then start the engine up, blast the heaters on full and run to operating temp? And for adding coolant when the the water is coming out clearly from return line, if adding mixed coolant do I just keep adding until I see pink coming out of the return line. My question would be is the system a circular system so you see old liquid being flushed out (water) and then new liquid is being seen (pink coolant in return line) so old liquid water has been removed from system. You said you added 4l concentrate of coolant when you saw clear water but how did you know that there was still 4l of water in the system for the correct ratio? Also when adding the coolant is the engine supposed to stay running or turn off engine, add coolant and start it up again? Sorry for the long reply, just want to make sure I do this correctly?

[@attocoulomb]

Regarding flushing by filling simultaneously with dumping the return line to a bucket: Can you give an estimate of how fast the coolant is pumped? i.e., how long to pump a quart/liter/gallon? Dribble or fire hose?

[@TS-gg9dk]

Taking the cap off the expansion tank (when the engine is cold!) to check the colour/condition of the coolant and thereby exposing the it to "open air" and atmospheric pressure does NOT degrade it in any way? As the same thing would do with brake fluid, as it is Hygroscopic.

[@wesleyhurd3574]

Taking the cap off of the coolant reservoir WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD is perfectly fine. The coolant mixture already contains a large amount of water by design and will not be harmed by the moisture in the air. Obviously, opening the cap when the engine is hot is very dangerous and can cause steam burns.

[@charleshines1553]

@@wesleyhurd3574 Even the coolant concentrate has SOME water in it. It is just not a 50/50 mix. I think it is something like 5% water if none is added.

[@leonmovrin2205]

But why coolant g13 drop in the car and it needs to be refuell a little bit. Is problem with water pump? Or its normal? I have golf 2017 2.0 tdi

[@TS-gg9dk]

Could you please mention the VW/Audi Standard for these different coolants. G12, G12+, G12++ and G13. The one I have a bottle of is according to VW-TL774G. Corresponds to G40. That makes it the G12++?

[@karrupt487]

I have the same question

[@kungfu2toe]

thermostat must open to get all old coolant out.

[@mustachesandcoffee]

Question I have a 2016 VW golf . It was low on antifreeze. I bought pink 50\50 pre diluted mix that said it was safe for European vehicles enlisted VW 2016 and later . Is it safe?

[@TrueStrongNorth]

Whats the best coolant for a 1995 VR6?

[@peekaboo-_-3197]

I have a 2000 vw Jetta and i use g13 but it’s hard to find nowadays

[@JavierGomez-lh8uj]

Should I flush after I put dye in the coolant to check for a leak?

[@scotta9114]

What about the new G-40 Coolant. It is supposed to supercede G-13.

[@rolandm793]

G40 is simply an aftermarket trademarked which is equivalent to G12++ and also compatible with some other "euro" brands (like MB). It's not an official VAG coolant but it is officially approved by VAG as meeting TL774G which is the spec G12++ (the official VAG product) also meets. G40 is a trademark of BASF and in Europe sells as Glysantin brand. In the US, it is found under the Zerex brand name. BASF used to own the Zerex brand but sold it to Valvoline back in the 90s. BASF and Valvoline have since maintained agreements where Valvoline continues to license coolant formulations from BASF, so it's the same stuff as Glysantin G40. Other companies also license from BASF to make G40. G40 also doesn't supersede anything. G13 is still the "newer" coolant with spec TL774J. The Gylsantin equivalent to G13 is called GG40 (two Gs), but I don't think this is commonly found in US/Canada.

[@scotta9114]

@@rolandm793 I wonder if G40 is OK for our 2014 VW EOS?

[@rolandm793]

@@scotta9114 Yep it should be fine--I used it in my 2013 TT. As a heads up I'm not sure Zerex makes the 100% coolant anymore--just like VW they have only 50/50 now I think. Kind of a rip off considering it's nearly the same price and you're technically only getting half the product. Getting tougher to find stuff that *isn't* "pre-mixed" these days, unfortunately.

[@naturalbornhuman3450]

Do you think I add ZEREX G40 (G12++) to 2017 Golf Sportwagen? The coolant reservoir in the car says “G13” but based on the charts I found online the G12++ can be mixed with G13. Do you think that filling it up with ZEREX G40 will be fine?

[@lukejoy3960]

Thank you for the straight up and good information sir

[@ferto12303]

Hi Paul, greetings from Guatemala I have a 2019 Tiguan TDI with G13 coolant And I've seen it could be possible problems with the water pump, and recommend change it to G12 EVO Do you know anything about it? Thank you!!!

[@juansolano1724]

I have a 2017 vw Passat r line. It has pink coolant in there but when I went to get new coolant it said that the one that goes on 2008+ vw models is the purple one. Should I make the switch or just keep using the pink on that it already has

[@garlin820]

The dealership where I got my car drained the g13 that I had just put in and put some blue stuff in do yu have any diy videos

[@elijahkeith5766]

When letting water run through the engine to flush it since distilled water is preferred, should you not run a hose from the sink or some kind of faucet to keep the water continuous? (While the engine runs and return is aimed in a bucket?

[@charleshines1553]

I would still use distilled water only. I live in a place where there is well water and that is not good for this.

[@arthurpe7916]

Can I use “all vehicles”

[@kblo7619]

The coating on the aluminum is different

[@wadenorton4540]

Hi,if l am using G12 could l drain my whole system and full it up with G12 only,or would l have to add some water when,after 1.5 liter.

[@charleshines1553]

Most importantly of all, don't use universal coolants or coolants that are an unknown chemistry to you. Like he said, distilled water is the safest when you either don't have the right stuff or know what it is. If it gels, it will clog a lot of things up and cause heating and a myriad of other problems. That is what you get for being cheap with the coolant with these cars!!

[@LeInternaut]

Answer is wrong, G13 can be mixed with all.

[@Mike-gz4xz]

i tried today to do a coolant change the way you suggested on my Golf GTI Mk7.5 2018 and nothing came out of the return pipe so got engine it up to temp , and still nothing came out of return pipe ?

[@daashka1]

Hi guys. I have Golf R 2017 mk7. Can I use G12+ coolant ?

[@wesleyhurd3574]

In an older vehicle you can get away with it. However, a 2017 model year vehicle should be filled with G13 coolant. It can be topped off with G12++ (notice the two plus signs) if G13 can not be readily obtained. G12+ is likely to be incompatible with the metals and other materials in the cooling system in your car.

[@roystonroberts1573]

Great and clear advise, many thanks

[@Warringkoo]

Does low coolant level always indicate there's a problem or a leak? Or can coolant levels drop?

[@pospc2]

From my experience it's always a leak.

[@AndreThompson925]

According to VW, there can be air bubbles in the system. I don't show any leaks and after 10k miles my system was about 1/4" below the line.

[@pospc2]

@@AndreThompson925 I suppose that can be possible but if it's been vac filled or if it's a continuous problem then it's a leak. What I have seen is common on vw is water pump, secondary water pump, heater core fitting,turbo. Not saying this is the only areas that leak but the ones I have seen either on my personal car or at work.

[@wesleyhurd3574]

In extremely hot operating conditions, I would expect a small amount of vapor to be vented from the pressure cap. Over a few months that might amount to a few ounces.

[@Volks2462]

And now to confuse the situation even more we have g12 evo

[@rmetanes]

Exactly. Did you find an answer if it's mixable with g13?

[@tiko4621]

@@rmetanes it is not mixable. G12evo is not mixed.

[@Danidasanic]

add the g 12 evo to your chart

[@rob-123]

Does the G12 evo have a higher boiling point over G13? We have a TDI and it boils the coolant sometimes when the particle filter does its cleaning cycle.

[@Danidasanic]

@@rob-123 you need to see whats wrong , your cooling system shouldnt boil in any situation . Check your thermostat, radiator fan , main water pump,etc

[@rob-123]

@@Danidasanic it's a known issue on the model of engine I have. It only looses a very small amount coolant through the vent cap when the dpf clean happens, but I think the coolant to water mix is wrong. We had the water pump changed and I think the coolant ratio to water is too high.

[@Danidasanic]

@@rob-123 if it rly is a known issue , ask vw to fix it . you shouldnt lose coolant in normal engine operation

[@nathanthompson8728]

In the uk all I can find for my 2015 Golf R is G13 mixed purple coolant. No pink that’s already in the car. Ok to mix?

[@benreid6144]

try euro car parts g12 is readily available in several sizes

[@rob-123]

I think the purple G13 has a higher boiling point. I'm looking at why my car is using coolant where you can see it coming out the header tank pressure release value. I suspects it because the coolant is g12 pink which boils at a lower temp. :|

[@Danidasanic]

Now you should use the G 12 Evo and not the G13 . G13 was discontinued

[@alextomlinson]

CAN I ADD G40 TO A CAR WITH G13 YES OR NO?

[@alextomlinson]

Fyi XSTREAM G40 is G12++ and can be mixed with G13

[@gabrieltorija6865]

What about the problem in vw g13?

[@AlKaseltzer87]

Man. I am so confused. G12 is pink, right? G13 is purple. My coolant ball on my 2015 Jetta SEL says G12, the coolant is pink. I've read on a few VW forums that Pentosin can be used as they're the manufacturers of VW coolant. I've found it stocked at one of the local auto parts stores here. Their websites all say the pink pentosin isn't compatible with my car and the purple is. The purple is apparently the g13 equivalent. What the hell?

[@iankelly6663]

Can I mix g12 with g12evo

[@Nitramrec]

These infos are outdated. The newest coolant is G12evo and it replaces ALL other stuff. So if you change your whole coolant to G12evo, you will have no problems.

[@coalieroller5663]

Can I use G12 evo in my car which calls for G13?

[@wesleyhurd3574]

G12 EVO has only been approved for certain Audi models. VW/Audi documentation states that G12 EVO may eventually be recommended for all of their vehicles. (I'm guessing they would rename it G14 if that happens). However, they have not completed the testing process on their other vehicles. If G13 is recommended for your vehicle, right now the only coolant you should use is G13. The exception would be for small top off or in an emergency you could use G12++. (Important: TWO plus signs).

[@aridi555]

Hi guys anyone knows if I can mix g12evo with g13 ? Any help will be much appreciated thank you

[@guenetgirma8941]

Can I use G13 coolant for VW golf 1997 model

[@shopdapdiy]

Yes but you will want to flush the system completely to swap to pink

[@guenetgirma8941]

@@shopdapdiy Thank you so much. What a relief. One more question. Can you give me an idea on the ratio of coolant to the distilled water that I have to use for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia weather condition. The high ranges between 23 & 27 and the low is 9 to 11 C. We don’t have G13 coolant in Ethiopia and I have to order it. I don’t know what the previous owner was using but for one year we were using the green coolant of another brand and as you said we will try to flush it well. Regards

[@Jordi-Jan]

@@guenetgirma8941 do not use G13. It has been proved corrosive and oxidizes coolant pump and other engine parts. It also needs additives, a sylicate bag to be placed in the expansion tank. It is so bad that it has been discontinued and substitute is not even called 13 or amything else. So you'd better consider the previous G12++ or the newest G12evo. As for the mix, it has to be minimum 40% coolant 60% watee. It can go to a maximum of 60% coolant, but it is for anti-freezing purposes, wich is not the case. Even with only 40% you are protected down to -12ºC if I recall correctly, so no need to use higher concentrations.

[@tiko4621]

@@Jordi-Jan you sound Knowledgeable, could I see anything proving this? I’m super curious myself man, I just swapped g13 into my 03 1.8t Jetta late last year I’ll switch asap if you’ve got any paperwork or outside sources.

[@DumbassDaveAutomotive]

G11 for the mk3's

[@Kirkmattrick99]

I have a 2015 golf tsi . Can I use zerex g40 coolant??

[@Kirkmattrick99]

It says it’s okay for vw’s 2005 and up

[@ssudarso]

Hi, anyone has good experience with Febi Bilstein G13 (instead of using more expensive VW/Audi original coolant sold by audi dealer) ? Febi claims that their product is approved/compatible with audi/vw/porsche. Thanks in advance !

[@F.S92]

I used the FEBI G13 stuff since 2015 no problems so far :)

[@davidmedina8717]

Hello sir. Sorry to bother you but I need your advice. I just bought a 2015 gti 2door. Beautiful car first one I have owned and love it, but it's been 45 days and I got the engine light came on. I bought the obd 11 pro and saw it was a misfire 3, and 4. Took it to the dealership they said my car was tuned. That that could be the cause of the problems and all they could find wrong was a bad injector and replaced it. They told me they did not tell the warranty company that I was tuned. I told them hey I did not tune it I just got it a month ago, and most likely you could tell when tune was put in. Long story short I left the dealership and a week later I have 3 and 4 misfire and I believe an epc now to. What can I do the car runs fine after I erase the codes but they come back.

[@LandRoverDS2020]

Deutsche auto parts KZbin channel has videos on figuring out misfires do a search on KZbin user this channel.

[@davidmedina8717]

@@LandRoverDS2020 thank you so much

[@PsilosTDi]

Distilled water or ionized water for VW G13 mix ?

[@Danidasanic]

Same thing

[@PsilosTDi]

@@Danidasanic are you sure?I think it's different.

[@Danidasanic]

@@PsilosTDi usually they are used for the same thing , afaik . Use distilled water , thats what the manufacture says

[@Danidasanic]

@@PsilosTDi btw g13 was discontinued , use the new g12evo , the part number for the 5L version should be g12e040a3 . I already ordered mine . The 1L and 5L versions are already mixed with water (ready to use)

[@Danidasanic]

@@PsilosTDi after listening an Coolant guru guy, I would say to use ionized\di-ionized water because distilled water contains minerals and thats what you don't want inside your engine

[@connorrabey6]

I have a 2000 MK4 Golf that says on the coolant cap g12. If I flush it all out though can I then use g13 coolant instead? I have a lot of g13 ready to go in and wouldn't have to buy any more

[@Jordi-Jan]

Do not. G13 has been proven corrosive and leads to pump substitution. It has been discontinued and replaced by G12evo.

[@connorrabey6]

Jordi Jan Turbulence ooh, that's interning. Thank you, I didn't know. How do you know that?

[@Jordi-Jan]

@@connorrabey6 seen a few videos about it, found a few by spanish and latin american specialists, even one in french, but I have not been able to find any in english.

[@wesleyhurd3574]

Interesting. Volkswagen recommends G13 for all 1994-2019 VW vehicles (except Routan) according to a technical service bulletin dated January 2020.

[@alextomlinson]

@@Jordi-Janis G12evo the same as g12++?

[@game4alaughman]

Thanks for the video, but no comment to peoples questions…… not one !!!!! We watch your videos, you make decent cash from views, come on answer at least some questions 🤨

[@laraicban2185]

A while ago i go to auto shop to ask to fill up my coolant and my coolant is dexcool and they add universal is that ok what they did

[@kemisant1218]

my vw golf mk7 uses 13 …where can i even buy this? 🥲🥲🥲

[@johnglz300zx]

So if I have a 2011 s4 I should put G13 coolant ?

[@polverex9534]

Hello, i have an gti mk7 when should i change the coolant?? The car has 30k miles