Question on coolant top up

[mrbojangles]

I've noticed today that my coolant is on the minimum level
The car is new from September and I did note at the time it was below the mid point between min & max, so it has not dropped significantly

I was planning to just top up to mid point with some distilled water for now, as the mix ratio should still be fine?

Does that seem sensible, or is it best to purchase some G12-plus-plus coolant (I think that may be a trip to the dealers?)

Thanks

[RW1]

The difference you are going to put in is negiable. The strength of the mix is 40%/60% - G12++/water from the factory for the UK. ie. down to -25'C. So you will be taking it towards -20'C. ( 50%/50% will take it to -35'C.)

The way you measure the correct level is - cold is above the min. level mark.

I find if it is halfway between the two marks when cold, goes to Max. when hot.

G12++ is part number G012 A8G M1 - 1.5lts - £7.17 + VAT

It shouldn't really loose coolant! There is a leak. This may interest you... Mystery Coolant Leak

C.

[mrbojangles]

The difference you are going to put in is negiable. The strength of the mix is 40%/60% - G12++/water from the factory for the UK. ie. down to -25'C. So you will be taking it towards -20'C. ( 50%/50% will take it to -35'C.)

The way you measure the correct level is - cold is above the min. level mark.

I find if it is halfway between the two marks when cold, goes to Max. when hot.

G12++ is part number G012 A8G M1 - 1.5lts - £7.17 + VAT

It shouldn't really loose coolant! There is a leak. This may interest you... Mystery Coolant Leak

C.

Thanks RW1

I called the dealer today and explained. They (unsurprisingly) suggested topping up with G12++ and monitoring. I nipped down and got some. They were also fully booked to look at it today.
I've not been able to find any distilled water anywhere locally (only deionized), so guess I'll just top up slightly with the G12++??

We'll see what happens

[RW1]

Topping up the small quantity of neat G12++ will be OK. I'm actually running at 50%/50% and that was the dealer after replacing the thermostat last January. They can take it to 60%/40% - G12++/water in the engine for protection to -40'C. The effect is the engine runs slightly warmer but in your case, it won't be noticeable. I've been OK with 50%/50%.

C.

[mrbojangles]

Topping up the small quantity of neat G12++ will be OK. I'm actually running at 50%/50% and that was the dealer after replacing the thermostat last January. They can take it to 60%/40% - G12++/water in the engine for protection to -40'C. The effect is the engine runs slightly warmer but in your case, it won't be noticeable. I've been OK with 50%/50%.

C.

Excellent. Thanks again for the help

[skippy]

Hi mrbojangles, I trust you read my situation from thread link given by RW1.

Sounds a very similar situation to the one I had, mine went on for about 18 months or so, I only got the low coolant level once every 3 months or so. Initially VW said I could use tap water with the G12, I did use a little but continued to use distilled water to top it up.

I was told at first service that there was nothing wrong but in the end I could see there was a very slight leak. Ended up having a new water pump and all the hoses around it, I don't think the pump was at fault but they replaced it anyway. Thankfully all seems fine now. It would not surprise me if the leak is from the same area on yours.

[uhucar]

It's leaked for sure, had the same problem coolant top up. It's need to be the right amount if coolant and water.