Audi Antifreeze German Audi Antifreeze CoolantGerman G11 G12 G12+ Audi Antifreeze

Important Audi Antifreeze Reminders

Incorrect Audi AntifreezeAs an independent Audi service garage with over 22 years of hands-on experience, we know what fails on Audis and why. We feel that changing your fluids is one of the most important preventive maintenance routines. Yet, for many Audi owners, this seems to be one of the most neglected area of maintenance. Thoroughly flushing your fluids at the proper intervals can help your Audi reach 150,000 miles and beyond!

#1 Audi Antifreeze Change Intervals

Blauparts recommends changing 'long life' Audi antifreeze every 3 to 4 years. Why? The combination of chemical additives contained in antifreeze, responsible for retaining alkalinity and inhibiting corrosion within the engine's cooling system, over time become depleted. Similar to oil, Audi antifreeze eventually breaks down, becomes weak, and "gets dirty." For maximum corrosion protection and prolonged engine life, flushing Audi antifreeze every 3 to 4 years (40,000 – 50,000 miles) is imperative. Thoroughly flushing your Audi's antifreeze is most convenient when done during timing belt replacement.

#2 What Type Of Audi Antifreeze

Use ONLY Audi Vw G11, or G12 approved anti-phosphate, anti-amine, anti-phosphorous antifreeze! Do NOT use regular store bought antifreeze, which typically contains ethylene glycol and doesn't correspond with the specifications of an Audi cooling system. The specification or type of Audi antifreeze required for a particular model can be found stamped on the expansion tank (e.g. G11 or G12) as well as in the owners manual under the antifreeze section. It's also good to note the color of your antifreeze (e.g. pink or purple). See Audi Antifreeze Features section below for further Audi antifreeze information and specifications.

What happens if you don't use correct approved Audi antifreeze?
Inferior antifreeze has an adverse reaction within an Audi cooling system. Poor quality antifreeze contaminates the system and eats away at metal, rubber, and plastic components. Obvious external indicators are bulging antifreeze hoses and white calcified residue oozing from antifreeze hose clamp mating areas (See Image 2). Not so obvious is lime and scale deposits that begin to build-up in the radiator core, restricting antifreeze flow and causing the engine to run hotter (especially in summer and warmer climates). All of this eventually causes serious engine problems (i.e. water pump failure - See Image 1). If your antifreeze is green or brown in color, thoroughly flush your cooling system immediately! You'll notice similar warnings in your owners manual under the antifreeze section.

#3 Audi Antifreeze Concentration

Remember to check the concentration (pH) of your Audi antifreeze on a regular basis. It's especially important to maintain the correct Audi antifreeze concentration during winter to protect your system against freezing temperatures. If your antifreeze concentration is weak, change it. Over time, weak or contaminated antifreeze (incorrect pH) can cause serious engine problems (i.e. water pump failure, as mentioned above). It's also important to note that approved Audi antifreeze comes in concentrated form. You MUST dilute the antifreeze using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with antifreeze. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and can adversely affect your new antifreeze and cooling system. See Important Antifreeze Draining Flushing Filling Info section below for more information.

Audi Antifreeze Features:

Blauparts only stocks Audi antifreezes that meet approved Audi G11 and G12 antifreeze specifications. Dealer prices are often for a pre-mixed bottle of antifreeze. Our prices are for a concentrated 1.5L bottle, meaning more for your money! Old Audi green antifreeze part number ZVw 237 105 is no longer available.

Blauparts recommends topping off your expansion tank with the same type of antifreeze that is currently in your Audi cooling system. For example, if you have G11 blue antifreeze, top off using G11 blue antifreeze. If you have G12 pink antifreeze, top off using G12 pink. However, for models currently using the G12 pink Audi antifreeze, we recommend upgrading to the G12+ / G12++ purple antifreeze the next time you thoughly flush the cooling system (i.e. during timing belt replacement). Please read our Topping Off section.

  • Blue G11 Audi Antifreeze

    G11 Blue Antifreeze

    Used in Audi models up to 6/1996

    • P/N G011000
    • Other part numbers have been used for the G11 antifreeze, such as VwW043611.
    • Blue G11 Audi antifreeze should NOT be mixed with G12 red pink or purple Audi antifreeze.
    • Blue G11 Audi antifreeze should never be mixed with early ZVw 237 105 green antifreeze.

    Pentosin Of Germany
    Pentofrost NF Features:

    • Extended long life concentrated formula without nitrite, amine and phosphorous containing additives.
    • Beside its basic feature as a superior antifreeze for watercooled engines it shows a minimal evaporation loss.
    • Does not affect seals and shows a good corrosion protection for all material used in cooling systems and for non ferrous metals.
    • Superior cold temperature performance with freezing protection up to -37° C
    • This high performance Audi antifreeze dissipates heat more effectively than conventional antifreeze and raises the boiling point.

    LINKS
    Blue G11 Audi Antifreeze

    Buy Blue G11 Audi Antifreeze
  • Red Pink G12 Audi Antifreeze

    G12 Red Pink Antifreeze

    Used in Audi models 6/1996-2003

    • Approved VW TL 774 F
    • P/N G 012 A8D, G012A8D, G001200
    • Other part numbers have been used for the G12 antifreeze, such as ZVw 237 G12.
    NOTE: G12+/ G12++ purple antifreeze was designed and introduced as an updated replacement for the pink G12 around 2003.
    • Red or pink G12 Audi antifreeze should NOT be mixed with G11 blue antifreeze or early ZVw 237 105 green antifreeze.
    • Specs also fit WSS M97 B44D, GM 6277M, and MAN 324 SNF

    Pentosin Of Germany
    Pentofrost SF Features    :

    • Extended long life concentrated formula without nitrite, amine, phosphorous, and silicate containing additives.
    • It protects water cooled engines and other devices against overheating, corrosion and freezing by means of excellent heat transfer with low evaporation loss.
    • It shows excellent corrosion protection for all materials used in cooling and auxiliary aggregates, is elastomer friendly and impedes deposit formation in the cooling system due to the additives employed.
    • Superior cold temperature performance with freezing protection up to -37° C
    • This high performance Audi antifreeze dissipates heat more effectively than conventional antifreeze and raises the boiling point.

    LINKS
    Red Pink G12 Audi Antifreeze

    Buy Pink G12 Audi Antifreeze
  • Violet Purple G12+ Audi Antifreeze

    G12+/++ Purple Antifreeze

    Used in Audi models 2003-current

    • Approved VW TL 774 G
    • P/N G 012 A8G M1, G012A8GM1
    G 012 A8F, G012A8F, G 012 A8FM, G 012 A8F A1, G 012 A8F A4
    NOTE: G12+ / G12++ purple antifreeze was designed and introduced as an updated replacement for the pink G12.
    • G12+ / G12++ Audi antifreeze should not be mixed with G11 blue antifreeze or early ZVw 237 105 green antifreeze.

    Genuine and German + / ++ Features:

    • Extended long life concentrated formula without nitrite, amine and phosphorous containing additives.
    • It protects water cooled engines and other devices against overheating, corrosion and freezing by means of excellent heat transfer with low evaporation loss, selected additives and good low temperature performance.
    • It shows excellent corrosion protection for all materials used in cooling and assisting aggregates, is elastomer friendly and impedes deposit formation in the cooling system due to additives employed.
    • Superior cold temperature performance with freezing protection up to -37° C
    • This high performance Audi antifreeze dissipates heat more effectively than conventional antifreeze and raises the boiling point.

    LINKS
    Purple G12+ Audi Antifreeze - German
    Purple G12++ Audi Antifreeze - Genuine

    Buy Purple G12+ Audi Antifreeze

How To Flush Audi Antifreeze
Basic Overviews

  • Changing your Audi antifreeze isn't as difficult as you think. We've taken our years of Audi engine antifreeze service experience and put it to work for you! Blauparts' provides some basic overviews on how to flush Audi antifreeze.

    • 4 Cylinder Models
    • 5 Cylinder Models
    • V6 Models
    • V8 Models

Important Audi Antifreeze Draining
Flushing Filling Info

Important Audi Antifreeze Draining Flushing Filling Info

Draining Audi Antifreeze

Changing Audi Antifreeze Service Bulletin

Do you want your Audi to reach 150,000 miles and beyond; or your new water pump to last 60,000 to 90,000 miles? Then, it is important to replicate the cooling system to a like new factory condition. Simply draining is not enough. Draining alone can leave as much as 30 to 50% of the old antifreeze in the engine block. Your cooling system should be free of any and all contaminants! You can not be lazy when it comes to antifreeze flushing and water pump replacement! Cutting corners now adds time, labor, and money later.

It's the installers responsibility to take the necessary time to thoroughly flush the cooling system. It has been noted that due to time constraints, inconvenience, and profit, many individuals, mechanics, and repair shops do not take the extra time needed to thoroughly flush the entire cooling system. Thoroughly flushing the antifreeze involves the engine block, radiator, heater core, and hoses.

Premature water pump failure (bearings and seals) can occur if you don't take the time to flush the entire cooling system and it's related components. Often when problems arise, such as an antifreeze leak, the new Audi water pump is blamed as the cause when in fact the opposite is true. It's usually because the installer neglected to follow this important step.

Flushing The Audi Cooling System

It is imperative that the Audi cooling system be thoroughly flushed of all accumulated silt and sediment buildup. All aftermarket cooling system additives, or stop leak products that may have been added to the cooling system (past or present) should be completely flushed! Thoroughly flushing the cooling system involves the engine block, radiator, heater core, and hoses.

Only use tap water to flush the entire cooling system. Do NOT use cooling system flush products. Many of these agents contain muriatic and/or other acids. Remnants of these acids left in the cooling system can cause your new Audi water pump to prematurely fail (see example images on related water pump replacement page).

Filling and Topping Off The Audi Cooling System

Use ONLY Audi Vw G11, or G12 approved anti-phosphate, anti-amine, anti-phosphorous antifreeze! Do NOT use regular store bought antifreeze, which typically contains ethylene glycol and doesn't correspond with the specifications of an Audi cooling system. It's also important to note that approved Audi antifreeze comes in a concentrated form. You MUST dilute the antifreeze using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with antifreeze. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new antifreeze and the cooling system. Never fill or top off with full concentrate G11 or G12 Audi antifreeze. Your Audi antifreeze should never exceed an antifreeze ratio of 60%. If it's over 60%, an inefficient Audi cooling system will result, decreasing flow through the radiator along with poor heat transfer through the engine block.

Important Reminder: Make sure that your local quick lube or mechanic isn't adding or topping off your system with incorrect antifreeze. Mixing factory approved antifreeze with any other antifreeze will cause an adverse chemical reaction with the existing antifreeze and contaminates the cooling system, thus affecting the longevity of the Audi water pump. If your antifreeze is green or brown in color thoroughly flush your cooling system immediately! You'll notice similar warnings in your owners manual under the antifreeze section. Read the warnings on the antifreeze antifreeze bottle regarding improper use being harmful or fatal. Click here for our detailed page covering everything about Audi antifreeze / Audi antifreeze.

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How To Flush Audi Antifreeze - Basic Overviews

Flushing your Audi's antifreeze is most easily done when replacing your timing belt.
Refer to the factory Bentley manual for Audi cooling system capacities and mixture ratios.
We recommend having an A.S.E. certified Audi mechanic change your Audi antifreeze. Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling Audi fluids.
This is a basic overview of what is involved when flushing Audi antifreeze. It is not intended to replace the factory Bentley manual.
Please refer to the factory Bentley manual for detailed instructions.

How To Change Engine Antifreeze On An Audi 4 Cylinder (1997 - On) :

  1. When the engine has cooled down, remove the Audi antifreeze tank cap.
  2. Draining the Audi antifreeze from the 4cyl cooling system:
    Remove the lower radiator drain plug from the lower front of the radiator (Audi A4, Vw Passat). Remove the passenger side lower radiator hose. Remove the outer Audi antifreeze hose that connects to the oil cooler. To drain the heater core you'll need to remove the hose on the antifreeze flange or transfer pipe located on the back side of the engine. This hose goes from the cylinder head to the heater core.
  3. After the system is done draining, put the Audi antifreeze tank cap back on. Carefully work off and remove the smallest hose that is connected to the top of the Audi antifreeze tank. Be careful, the tank nipple likes to crack and break off.
  4. With a blow gun and compressed air on low, carefully insert the blow nozzle into the small hose. Wearing safety goggles, carefully force the air out so that any Audi antifreeze that's still trapped in the cooling system is released.
  5. Reinstall the Audi antifreeze drain plug. Reinstall the antifreeze tank hose(s). Fill the Audi cooling system with distilled water. Start the car and air bleed the cooling system as outlined in the factory Bentley manual. Run the car until the cooling fan comes on.
  6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until the water comes out clean.
  7. Verify that you have the correct anti-phosphate anti-amine G11 or G12 Audi antifreeze. If it's full concentrate, mix a 50/50 ratio per the Bentley manual. Fill your Audi cooling system with this 50/50 mixture. You MUST dilute the antifreeze using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with antifreeze. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new antifreeze and the cooling system. Note: Some factory Audi antifreezes sold by dealers are already premixed and do not require further dilution.
  8. Run the 4cyl engine and check for any Audi antifreeze leaks.
  9. Top off the antifreeze tank to the fill line. Do not overfill.
  10. Using a permanent marker, write 'G11 or G12 Antifreeze Only' on the Audi antifreeze tank.
  11. Be environmentally responsible and dispose of your old Audi antifreeze properly.

How To Change Engine Antifreeze On An Audi 5 Cylinder:

  1. When the engine has cooled down, remove the Audi antifreeze tank cap.
  2. Draining the Audi antifreeze from the 5cyl cooling system:
    Remove the lower radiator hose. Only about 75% of the Audi antifreeze will drain, the rest is in the engine block and heater core. To drain the heater core you'll need to remove the hose on the antifreeze flange or transfer pipe located on the back side of the engine. This hose goes from the cylinder head to the heater core. You can also drain the engine block by removing the thermostat housing or the small 6" hose adjacent from the thermostat housing. This hose connects to the steel tubing that runs along side the engine block to the back of the engine.
  3. Reinstall the hoses. Fill the Audi cooling system with distilled water. Start the car and air bleed the cooling system as outlined in the factory Bentley manual. Run the car until the cooling fan comes on.
  4. Repeat steps 2 through 3 until the water comes out clean.
  5. Verify that you have the correct anti-phosphate anti-amine G11 or G12 Audi antifreeze. If it's full concentrate, mix a 50/50 ratio per the Bentley manual. Fill your Audi cooling system with this 50/50 mixture. You MUST dilute the antifreeze using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with antifreeze. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new antifreeze and the cooling system. Note: Some factory Audi antifreezes sold by dealers are already premixed and do not require further dilution.
  6. Run the 5cyl engine and check for any Audi antifreeze leaks.
  7. Top off the antifreeze tank to the fill line. Do not overfill.
  8. Using a permanent marker, write 'G11 or G12 Antifreeze Only' on the Audi antifreeze tank.
  9. Be environmentally responsible and dispose of your old Audi antifreeze properly.

How To Change Engine Antifreeze On An Audi V6:

  1. When the engine has cooled down, remove the Audi antifreeze tank cap.
  2. Draining the Audi antifreeze from the V6 cooling system:
    There is a 8mm Allen drain plug on the back side of the subframe cross member offset to the drivers side. It is recessed about 1 inch into the casting of the engine block. You'll probably need a flash light to find it. To drain the heater core you'll need to remove the hose on the antifreeze flange or transfer pipe located on the back side of the engine. This hose goes from the cylinder head to the heater core.
  3. After the system is done draining, put the Audi antifreeze tank cap back on. Carefully work off and remove the smallest hose that is connected to the top of the Audi antifreeze tank. Be careful, the tank nipple likes to crack and break off.
  4. With a blow gun and compressed air on low, carefully insert the blow nozzle into the small hose. Wearing safety goggles, carefully force the air out so that any Audi antifreeze that's still trapped in the cooling system is released.
  5. Reinstall the Audi antifreeze drain plug. Reinstall the antifreeze tank hose(s). Fill the Audi cooling system with distilled water. Start the car and air bleed the cooling system as outlined in the factory Bentley manual. Run the car until the cooling fan comes on.
  6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until the water comes out clean.
  7. Verify that you have the correct anti-phosphate anti-amine G11 or G12 Audi antifreeze. If it's full concentrate, mix a 50/50 ratio per the Bentley manual. Fill your Audi cooling system with this 50/50 mixture. You MUST dilute the antifreeze using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with antifreeze. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new antifreeze and the cooling system. Note: Some factory Audi antifreezes sold by dealers are already premixed and do not require further dilution.
  8. Run the V6 engine and check for any Audi antifreeze leaks.
  9. Top off the antifreeze tank to the fill line. Do not overfill.
  10. Using a permanent marker, write 'G11 or G12 Antifreeze Only' on the Audi antifreeze tank.
  11. Be environmentally responsible and dispose of your old Audi antifreeze properly.

How To Change Engine Antifreeze On An Audi V8:

  1. When the engine has cooled down, remove the Audi antifreeze tank cap.
  2. Draining the Audi antifreeze from the V8 cooling system:
    There are 2 drain plugs. One on the drivers side and one on the passenger side of the oil pan. To drain the Audi antifreeze from the radiator, remove the lower passenger side radiator hose.
  3. After the system is done draining, put the Audi antifreeze tank cap back on. Carefully work off and remove the smallest hose that is connected to the top of the Audi antifreeze tank. Be careful, the tank nipple likes to crack and break off.
  4. With a blow gun and compressed air on low, carefully insert the blow nozzle into the small hose. Wearing safety goggles, carefully force the air out so that any Audi antifreeze that's still trapped in the cooling system is released.
  5. Reinstall the Audi antifreeze drain plugs. Reinstall the antifreeze tank hose(s). Fill the Audi cooling system with distilled water. Start the car and air bleed the cooling system as outlined in the factory Bentley manual. Run the car until the cooling fan comes on.
  6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until the water comes out clean.
  7. Verify that you have the correct anti-phosphate anti-amine G11 or G12 Audi antifreeze. If it's full concentrate, mix a 50/50 ratio per the Bentley manual. Fill your Audi cooling system with this 50/50 mixture. You MUST dilute the antifreeze using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with antifreeze. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new antifreeze and the cooling system. Note: Some factory Audi antifreezes sold by dealers are already premixed and do not require further dilution.
  8. Run the V8 engine and check for any Audi antifreeze leaks.
  9. Top off the antifreeze tank to the fill line. Do not overfill.
  10. Using a permanent marker, write 'G11 or G12 antifreeze Only' on the Audi antifreeze tank.
  11. Be environmentally responsible and dispose of your old Audi antifreeze properly.

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