Vw Coolant German Vw Coolant AntifreezeGerman G11 G12 G12+ Vw Coolant

Important Vw Coolant Reminders

Incorrect Vw CoolantAs an independent Audi Vw service garage with over 23 years of hands-on experience, we know what fails on Vws and why. We feel that changing your fluids is one of the most important preventive maintenance routines. Yet, for many Vw owners, this seems to be one of the most neglected area of maintenance. Thoroughly flushing your fluids at the proper intervals can help your Vw reach 150,000 miles and beyond!

#1 Vw Coolant Change Intervals

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

#2 What Type Of Vw Coolant

Use ONLY Audi Vw G11, or G12 approved anti-phosphate, anti-amine, anti-phosphorous coolant! Do NOT use regular store bought coolant, which typically contains ethylene glycol and doesn't correspond with the specifications of a Vw cooling system. The specification or type of Vw coolant 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 coolant section. It's also good to note the color of your coolant (e.g. pink or purple). See Vw Coolant Features section below for further Vw coolant information and specifications.

What happens if you don't use correct approved Vw coolant?
Inferior coolant has an adverse reaction within a Vw cooling system. Poor quality coolant contaminates the system and eats away at metal, rubber, and plastic components. Obvious external indicators are bulging coolant hoses and white calcified residue oozing from coolant 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 coolant 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 coolant is green or brown in color, thoroughly flush your cooling system immediately! You'll notice similar warnings in your owners manual under the coolant section.

#3 Vw Coolant Concentration

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

Vw Coolant Features:

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

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

  • Blue G11 Vw Coolant

    G11 Blue Coolant

    Used in Vw models up to 6/1996

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

    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 Vw coolant dissipates heat more effectively than conventional coolant and raises the boiling point.

    LINKS
    Blue G11 Vw Coolant

    Buy Blue G11 Vw Coolant
  • Red Pink G12 Vw Coolant

    G12 Red Pink Coolant

    Used in Vw 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 coolant, such as ZVw 237 G12.
    NOTE: G12+ / G12++ purple coolant was designed and introduced as an updated replacement for the pink G12 around 2003.
    • Red or pink G12 Vw coolant should NOT be mixed with G11 blue coolant or early ZVw 237 105 green coolant.
    • 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 Vw coolant dissipates heat more effectively than conventional coolant and raises the boiling point.

    LINKS
    Red Pink G12 Vw Coolant

    Buy Pink G12 Vw Coolant
  • Violet Purple G12+ Vw Coolant

    G12 +/++ Purple Coolant

    Used in Vw 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 coolant was designed and introduced as an updated replacement for the pink G12.
    • G12+ / G12++ Vw coolant should not be mixed with G11 blue coolant or early ZVw 237 105 green coolant.
    • Specs also fit P/N Mercedes Benz 00 989 16 25, Ford 1 336 797, Ford 1 222 116

    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 Vw coolant dissipates heat more effectively than conventional coolant and raises the boiling point.

    LINKS
    Purple G12+ Vw Coolant - German
    Purple G12++ Vw Coolant - Genuine

    Buy Purple G12+ Vw Coolant

How To Flush Vw Coolant
Basic Overviews

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

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

Important Vw Coolant Draining
Flushing Filling Info

Important Vw Coolant Draining Flushing Filling Info

Draining Vw Coolant

Changing Vw Coolant Service Bulletin

Do you want your Vw 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 coolant in the engine block. Your cooling system should be free of any and all contaminants! You can not be lazy when it comes to coolant 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 coolant 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 a coolant leak, the new Vw 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 Vw Cooling System

It is imperative that the Vw 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 Vw water pump to prematurely fail (see example images on related water pump replacement page).

Filling and Topping Off The Vw Cooling System

Use ONLY Audi Vw G11, or G12 approved anti-phosphate, anti-amine, anti-phosphorous coolant! Do NOT use regular store bought coolant, which typically contains ethylene glycol and doesn't correspond with the specifications of a Vw cooling system. It's also important to note that approved Vw coolant comes in a concentrated form. You MUST dilute the coolant using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with coolant. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new coolant and the cooling system. Never fill or top off with full concentrate G11 or G12 Vw coolant. Your Vw coolant should never exceed a coolant ratio of 60%. If it's over 60%, an inefficient Vw 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 coolant. Mixing factory approved coolant with any other coolant will cause an adverse chemical reaction with the existing coolant and contaminates the cooling system, thus affecting the longevity of the Vw water pump. If your coolant is green or brown in color thoroughly flush your cooling system immediately! You'll notice similar warnings in your owners manual under the coolant section. Read the warnings on the antifreeze coolant bottle regarding improper use being harmful or fatal. Click here for our detailed page covering everything about Vw coolant / Vw antifreeze.

Back To Top


How To Flush Vw Coolant - Basic Overviews

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

How To Change Engine Coolant On A Vw 4 Cylinder (1997 - On) :

  1. When the engine has cooled down, remove the Vw coolant tank cap.
  2. Draining the Vw coolant from the 4cyl cooling system:
    Remove the lower radiator drain plug from the lower front of the radiator (Vw A4, Vw Passat). Remove the passenger side lower radiator hose. Remove the outer Vw coolant hose that connects to the oil cooler. To drain the heater core you'll need to remove the hose on the coolant 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 Vw coolant tank cap back on. Carefully work off and remove the smallest hose that is connected to the top of the Vw coolant 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 Vw coolant that's still trapped in the cooling system is released.
  5. Reinstall the Vw coolant drain plug. Reinstall the coolant tank hose(s). Fill the Vw 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 Vw coolant. If it's full concentrate, mix a 50/50 ratio per the Bentley manual. Fill your Vw cooling system with this 50/50 mixture. You MUST dilute the coolant using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with coolant. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new coolant and the cooling system. Note: Some factory Vw coolants sold by dealers are already premixed and do not require further dilution.
  8. Run the 4cyl engine and check for any Vw coolant leaks.
  9. Top off the coolant tank to the fill line. Do not overfill.
  10. Using a permanent marker, write 'G11 or G12 Coolant Only' on the Vw coolant tank.
  11. Be environmentally responsible and dispose of your old Vw coolant properly.

How To Change Engine Coolant On A Vw 5 Cylinder:

  1. When the engine has cooled down, remove the Vw coolant tank cap.
  2. Draining the Vw coolant from the 5cyl cooling system:
    Remove the lower radiator hose. Only about 75% of the Vw coolant 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 coolant 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 Vw 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 Vw coolant. If it's full concentrate, mix a 50/50 ratio per the Bentley manual. Fill your Vw cooling system with this 50/50 mixture. You MUST dilute the coolant using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with coolant. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new coolant and the cooling system. Note: Some factory Vw coolants sold by dealers are already premixed and do not require further dilution.
  6. Run the 5cyl engine and check for any Vw coolant leaks.
  7. Top off the coolant tank to the fill line. Do not overfill.
  8. Using a permanent marker, write 'G11 or G12 Coolant Only' on the Vw coolant tank.
  9. Be environmentally responsible and dispose of your old Vw coolant properly.

How To Change Engine Coolant On A Vw V6:

  1. When the engine has cooled down, remove the Vw coolant tank cap.
  2. Draining the Vw coolant 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 coolant 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 Vw coolant tank cap back on. Carefully work off and remove the smallest hose that is connected to the top of the Vw coolant 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 Vw coolant that's still trapped in the cooling system is released.
  5. Reinstall the Vw coolant drain plug. Reinstall the coolant tank hose(s). Fill the Vw 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 Vw coolant. If it's full concentrate, mix a 50/50 ratio per the Bentley manual. Fill your Vw cooling system with this 50/50 mixture. You MUST dilute the coolant using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with coolant. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new coolant and the cooling system. Note: Some factory Vw coolants sold by dealers are already premixed and do not require further dilution.
  8. Run the V6 engine and check for any Vw coolant leaks.
  9. Top off the coolant tank to the fill line. Do not overfill.
  10. Using a permanent marker, write 'G11 or G12 Coolant Only' on the Vw coolant tank.
  11. Be environmentally responsible and dispose of your old Vw coolant properly.

How To Change Engine Coolant On A Vw V8:

  1. When the engine has cooled down, remove the Vw coolant tank cap.
  2. Draining the Vw coolant 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 Vw coolant from the radiator, remove the lower passenger side radiator hose.
  3. After the system is done draining, put the Vw coolant tank cap back on. Carefully work off and remove the smallest hose that is connected to the top of the Vw coolant 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 Vw coolant that's still trapped in the cooling system is released.
  5. Reinstall the Vw coolant drain plugs. Reinstall the coolant tank hose(s). Fill the Vw 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 Vw coolant. If it's full concentrate, mix a 50/50 ratio per the Bentley manual. Fill your Vw cooling system with this 50/50 mixture. You MUST dilute the coolant using DISTILLED water to a 50/50 concentration. DO NOT mix normal tap water with coolant. Tap water varies in pH, mineral, and chemical content and depending on these factors can adversely affect your new coolant and the cooling system. Note: Some factory Vw coolants sold by dealers are already premixed and do not require further dilution.
  8. Run the V8 engine and check for any Vw coolant leaks.
  9. Top off the coolant tank to the fill line. Do not overfill.
  10. Using a permanent marker, write 'G11 or G12 coolant Only' on the Vw coolant tank.
  11. Be environmentally responsible and dispose of your old Vw coolant properly.

Back To Top

BLAUfergnügen! Inc. · 4921 Cty CR · Manitowoc, WI 54220 · (920) 758-3232    -    Business Hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm CST
* BLAUfergnugen! Inc. (DBA Blauparts®) copyright © 1998 - 2012. BLAUfergnügen! Inc. is an independent parts specialist and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen of America (VwoA), VolkswagenAG, Audi of America, and Audi AG. All trademarks referenced in this website are displayed for identification purposes only and are in no way intended to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners. Prices, specifications, manufacturers, availability, and special offers are subject to change without notice.