Coolant G12 plus water plus additive G11 = what?!

[aaronon]

Hey guys I think my coolant is just below the minimum level but the manual is very confusing. It states it should be at least 40% coolant g12. What are these other additive number and ingrediants? Do I not just go to halfords an buy some Volkswagen G12 and pour it in?

Or do I have to do a little bit of celia smith style preparation?

Thanks.

[Tim_GTi]

If it's just down a little bit (up to 1L), just top it up with water.

[aaronon]

The little circular bowl is down by about 1cm.

Also, is it normal to not be able to read the break fluid level? . . .the tub just looks like a random mess.

[Tim_GTi]

water will be fine then. Not sure what you mean exactly in regards to the brake fluid?

[sylvester]

The coolant will be G12 as indicated on the expansion tank, the colour being red/pink in colour. G11 is blue in colour and shouldn't be mixed with G12. If in doubt go to vw and buy some. Remember to top up the coolant when the engine is cold, its best to do this on level ground where you can take note of the level so that you can monitor it in the future.

[RUM4MO]

To be perfectly honest, why not just buy a container of G12+ either from any VAG dealer, or GSF or maybe even the G12+ from GSF that comes in the manufacturer's own packaging. The last thing that you really want to do in an unusually cold winter, is to top up with water - if you do take this advise then just top up when cold to the MAX level using neat G12+.

Brake fluid level, it can be a bit tricky to find the current level, so wipe off any dust from the reservoir, if you still can not see the level, remove the cap and if there is fluid in the basket strainer, then it must be near the correct level, if the basket strainer is "dry", then add some brake fluid, I'd be surprised if the level is low - unless there is a real problem, as if the reservoir was filled up to the MAX when the pads were new, then if they are still okay, I'd expect the level to still be viewable from looking at the side of the reservoir - the level could be somewhere up along the sloping top surface - that is why I suggested taking the top off and looking in etc.

[Tim_GTi]

Sorry i should've stated that at first, the engine must be cold when adding water. There really is no need to buy G12 to add to it though if it's such a small amount. It's a new enough car!

[aaronon]

Ok guys thanks, i'm gonna try tomorrow. I might head to Volkswagen and buy some tomorrow just incase.

At least then i'll have it should any lights come on - it's been recently serviced so i'm sure that would have been checked.