Replacing coolant

[ctid]

Hey,

I've just flushed the coolant on my VW Polo and was wondering if I have to replace with VW G12 coolant again? I've flushed the system with water but the owners manual says it must be replaced with G12, or engine damage may occur.

Is this true or can I use the carplan stuff I bought?

Cheers

[Cost Captain]

you should replace coolant like for like, ie if blue for blue or pink for pink, actual brand won't matter though.

[ctid]

Cheers, I'll just go get some new pink coolant than.

Out of interest, what's the difference?

[E30M3SE]

replace with same spec coolant, try EPC or GSf for a lower price equivalent to dealers coolant prices.

[sidgolf]

pink stuff is supposed to last far longer.

mixing pink and blue is a no-no,you can end up with a sludged up cooling system.

[Waynester]

Mine looks green...maybe just old, was blue?

[NiceCupOfTea]

green/blue is normal 2 yr life stuff, pink/orange is longlife.

Doesn't matter what you use if it is all properly flushed through. I replaced the black stuff from my mx-5 (previously green!) with pink as it was what I had in the garage. Was flushed about 5 or 6 times, used a proper flush as well as water, and had a new rad, so chances of contamination minimal.

There are some exceptions - Pumas, for example, need special Ford stuff for some reason.