Polo Coolant Advice

[dan425]

Bit confused by my wife's 1.4 petrol Polo, some advice would be appreciated.

EML light came on indiciating an issue with the coolant. Checked under the bonnet to see it's low. Topping it up is a fairly straightforward solution, but I am confused on which grade to use.

Manual says: "When topping up the coolant, a mixtured of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive G13 or G12 Plus Plus (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used. Mixing G13 with the coolant additives G12 Plus (TL-VW 774 F), G12 (dyed red) or G11 (dyed blue-green) will significant decrease the level of corrosion protection and should therefore be avoided."

But coolant expansion tank says "G12" on the side. Coolant is pinky red, so I'm assuming it's G12 in there.

Any advice? I've always thought you weren't meant to mix colours/grades of coolant, but the manual is telling me to use something different to what seems to be marked on the tank and in there!

[cuprabob]

G13 or G12++ is fine.

[Gary C]

I would be worried where its going !

I have that polo and it hasn't needed topping up in 12 years (hum, probably about time I changed it )

[dan425]

cuprabob said:

G13 or G12++ is fine.

Thanks, mate.

Gary C said:

I would be worried where its going !

I have that polo and it hasn't needed topping up in 12 years (hum, probably about time I changed it )

Agreed. Once it's topped up, I'm going to put a tray underneath it after a drive and see if it has a leak or something.