VW Golf S reg MK 4 Coolant dilemma

[Twentyfour7]

Hi All

I have had a VW MK 4 Golf 1.6 Auto petrol since new. (1998)

About 15 years ago it needed some coolant and so I bought some and put it in. Can't recall the type it was but it was pink.

Then this summer the warning light came on the dashboard and I bought the 2L Halfords Advanced pink ready mixed anti freeze and coolant (see pic)and filled it up the max line. Then today the coolant signal came on again (about 5 months later) so I put remainder of coolant in from the bottle. About 250ml.

When I went to Halfords today to get some more they advised I buy their G30 coolant but having now looked at the car manual (for the first time!) I understand I should have only used G12 ABD or an additive with the specification TL-VW 774 CD.

I am therefore unsure what to do, is it okay to use G30 from Halfords? or should I go to VW dealer and buy the above?

Also it it ok to put the G12 in after the "advanced ready mix" I used this year? Is it safe for the car?

Also could the car have a leak and how could I check for this please?

Thanks a lot

24/7

[Pericoloso]

There is a leak ,water doesn't just evaporate.

To locate a leak a garage will use a pump to pressurise the cooling system.

The system is also under pressure when hot but poking your fingers into hot engines and hoses equals burns.

if the leak is obvious it will drip out and easier to see.

If said leak is located ,it might be best to drain the whole system and replace with the correct coolant.

[Twentyfour7]

I need to drive car this weekend 400 mile ground trip. not sure will get it into a garage at short notice and not sure if they will use correct coolant unless I go to VW dealer who will charge the earth

What do you advise I do please?

[GreenV8S]

Pericoloso said:

water doesn't just evaporate.

Yeah, it kinda does.

But it shouldn't if the cooling system is working properly.

[Pericoloso]

Twentyfour7 said:

I need to drive car this weekend 400 mile ground trip. not sure will get it into a garage at short notice and not sure if they will use correct coolant unless I go to VW dealer who will charge the earth

What do you advise I do please?

You don't seem to be losing a huge amount of coolant so take the car but also take your coolant bottle with you and maybe

a back up of couple of litres of water for emergency.

If you get stuck in traffic ,don't let it overheat and maybe check the level before the return journey.

DO NOT remove the header tank cap if the engine is hot.

[Twentyfour7]

Thanks but what coolant should I use? Should I try and get VW make? And mix with what’s in there ?

[GreenV8S]

You want to use coolant that's similar to whatever is already in there. It's a twenty year old car - it's pretty unlikely it is still on the original coolant. Phone the people who service it for you and ask what they fill it with.

[steveo3002]

g12plus or g13 according to this chart

https://www.wolflubes.com/EN_EU/Blog/2016/What-you...

dont be thinking halfords is some bargain cut price place , doubt the dealer will be any worse and theirs will mix with water 50/50

[Sardonicus]

VAG Quantum brand coolants are very reasonably priced and cover pretty much everything available from any VAG main dealer , but yes G12 is the one as mentioned already far better to fix the leak and then refill then you know whats in it without the worry of mixing incompatible liquids

[thetrickcyclist]

Comma have a decent on line guide..

There are more of these articles online...check out the chart, however be aware that "advanced" may not be suitable for your engine!

http://millerstreefarm.com/antifreeze-color-chart-...

Look at the chart in above.

Edited by thetrickcyclist on Wednesday 21st November 10:39

[thetrickcyclist]

Oops sorry Steve you beat me too it.

[Twentyfour7]

Thanks for your help on this but I know I’m going to have to top up coolant if I am to drive car this Friday night. I don’t have time to arrange for it to be flushed , still unsure if it is ok to mix a different coolant with the advanced ready mix which remains in the system