How do I know what anti-freeze I have? VW 1.8T

[Bluestream]

I have a used VW with the 1.8T engine that I have had since Dec. PO told me the timing belt was changed one year ago at an Indy shop, and I assume that they changes the water pump and coolant at the same time. Anti-freeze looks to be pink or red in color, but how do I know if its VW G12 or some other stuff? The level is a bit low and I would like to top it up, but who knows what they put in it?

 

[expat]

Colour sounds right, but if you are not sure, and need to top it up anyway, why not buy a gallon of VW antifreeze and just change it.
I learned the hard way using Prestone after doing a timing belt, I quickly got an engine light...cooling sensor code.

 

[The Critic]

G12 plus.

 

[scurvy]

The original fill was G12. G12+ and G12++ are backwards compatible - buy whatever's cheapest.

 

[71Chevyguy]

I have read that you can use Dex-Cool in the VW's. The formula is similar enough that the original VW coolant will not react with it as it does with just about every other coolant. The OEM coolant is designed to turn brown if it is contaminated. Working at a used car dealer my boss obviously was not going to buy the correct stuff so we topped off with Dex-Cool and the cars were fine.
I personally recommend getting and using the right stuff. In the end it is the best decision and usually the cheapest way since you will not create issues for the future. Although I will say I was still working on the cars topped off with Dex-Cool a few years later and all was still fine with the coolant.

 

[wkcars]

If you only need to top off a little, distilled water should be ok, or perhaps drain it all and refill with what's suppose to go in there that way you know for sure.

 

[Lead Shoes]

Originally Posted By: wkcars
If you only need to top off a little, distilled water should be ok, or perhaps drain it all and refill with what's suppose to go in there that way you know for sure.


x2 if you are in doubt change it out.

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: wkcars
If you only need to top off a little, distilled water should be ok, or perhaps drain it all and refill with what's suppose to go in there that way you know for sure.


Just trying to avoid the hassle of doing that if I can. Could I take a sample out and mix it in a jar with some normal coolant and if it turns to Jello, I can assume its G12 in there?

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: 71Chevyguy
I have read that you can use Dex-Cool in the VW's. The formula is similar enough that the original VW coolant will not react with it as it does with just about every other coolant.


The formulas are a bit similar but that's about it - G12/+/++ is a superior formulation than Rust-Kool (thanks, BASF!). Even at the 100k mile timing belt intervals the coolant is still working very well and can be used for longer.

If you don't know what's in there, perhaps ask the shop. I would get any Death-Cool or -Clone out of there ASAP.

 

[wkcars]

I don't know enough about coolant to say what happens when you mix them or what test to do to figure out what they are, but keep in mind that even if something doesn't show signs of a bad reaction when mixing it outside doesn't necessarily mean it wouldn't when you use it in your car either...so maybe if you can find someone, maybe a mechanic at a shop, that would be able to help you figure out what the exact coolant is.

 

[Dan55]

G12 is basically Dexcool http://www.motor.com/magazine/pdfs/082004_04.pdf. If you are concerned, drain and flush the system with water and fill with G12. It used to come in gallons for about $16 but that was a few years ago.