Coolant / antifreeze question

[outnumbered]

We recently bought a VW Up 1.0 that my daughter's learning to drive in. I noticed that the coolant level is a bit low. It's pink coloured, which is the colour of the recommended VW stuff, but I have no idea if it's actually VW coolant or something else put in by a previous owner.

I can't remember the last time I had to put coolant in ANY vehicle, and reading around it seems there are a few different types these days.

Is it OK just to buy something the same colour from Halfords, and top it up ? Or preferable to get the genuine VW product ?

[crankedup]

I would check service history, when was coolant last changed, if ever? Dependant on that info’ you might want to consider a complete coolant change.

[Mr Pointy]

If you go into Halfords they have one of those flip-over charts where you can look up your car & find which type of coolant to buy.

[ejenner]

The red coolant at Halfords is the VW spec. It actually says it on the label.

HOWEVER... it's important to remember that the coolant level in the reservoir will go up and down depending on engine temp. When the car is cold it may well look a little low in the reservoir. When it's hot the level will come up a bit.

General rule of thumb is to change the coolant every 4 years. Nobody in this country ever does that kind of servicing though. We just drive our cars until they stop moving.

[SEAN 46]

G 12/13 spec anti freeze is VW’s recommendation.

[anonymous-user]

If it’s just a little low, some deionised water would do the job, or if you are less bothered, some tap water.

[Order66]

Be aware that coolant colour doesn't indicate any sort of standard or type - the coolant manufacturers can use any colour they want and aren't consistent.

[ChampionRabbit]

Just buy some Prestone stuff from the supermarket (yellow bottles) that mixes with all types.

Colour doesn't mean anything these days; depends on coolant brand. Unless you have any interest in DIY servicing etc, just use Prestone as a top-up.

[N7GTX]

^^^^ this if you have no idea what you are doing! It mixes with everything so no problems deciding what to put in.

Coolant change intervals vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Us oldies with older cars probably put the blue stuff in which is only guaranteed for 2 years.