Antifreeze/Coolant - which one is right for our car?

[80sGuy]

According to the books - G12 (GUS012001G1) is recommended, but there's also a G13 (G013A8J1G). Which is right? I'm about to tackle the thermostat and think I should have a gallon handy.

[Willënskraft]

Either can be used. For G12, it needs to be mixed with distilled water 50/50 mix. With G13 it can be mixed with distilled water or G12.



Hope this helps ya.

[80sGuy]

Maybe I should just stick with G12 since that's what it came with originally. Dilute it 50/50 as needed after removing a few hoses here and there?

[james12lucy]

G13 has superseded G12 at all dealerships. Just run G13 and mix it 50/50 with distilled water.


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[Theiceman]

bottom line is both are compatible. use what you can get in your area at the best deal. We all know VW makes this stuff from unicorn tears so its ridiculously overpriced.

[K1196A]

Can the two be mixed? I had G12 in mine and hadn't even realized I ordered G13 to top it off with following my oil filter housing gasket fix.

[Theiceman]

Can the two be mixed? I had G12 in mine and hadn't even realized I ordered G13 to top it off with following my oil filter housing gasket fix.

yes , scroll up a little , great pic.

[K1196A]

I was reading those to say, "compatible with our vehicles" - not necessarily, "compatible with each other." Thanks for the clarification!

(and thank you re the pic! )

[80sGuy]

G13 it is, $21 at the dealer. Couldn't even get G12 anymore as they are no longer available.

[ahotboy15]

G13 straight? I think its suppose to be mixed 50/50 as well. What about just using water to top off overspill if your in a pinch and need to get more. Can you run just water or will it mess up whole system?

Either can be used. For G12, it needs to be mixed with distilled water 50/50 mix. With G13 it can be mixed with distilled water, G12, or used straight.



Hope this helps ya.

[Willënskraft]

G13 straight? I think its suppose to be mixed 50/50 as well. What about just using water to top off overspill if your in a pinch and need to get more. Can you run just water or will it mess up whole system?

Sorry about that. Corrected my post and also did some research. You are correct, G13 is to be mixed with distilled water according to Vaico Clicky and Pentofrost Clicky


I believe you can run distilled water in the system with a little coolant, but only if you're in a pinch or just temporarily. Except for if you live in an area with freezing temps.

Also, this thread has a good discussion on mix ratios Clicky

[ahotboy15]

thanks for the clairification

[80sGuy]

I'd imagine that water would work ok, or to a certain degree 100% water should work fine if you live in warmer climate areas such as CA. Coolant is mainly used for prevention of the water from freeing up, hence the term 'anti-freeze'.

[tloft4]

they touch on that in the thread linked above; it also lubricates, prevents rust, etc.

for something so cheap why not just stick with what they intended?

[80sGuy]

For what its worth, I will be mixing mine like factory-specs.

[ahotboy15]

yea but it also evaporates (water) so its a pain in the arse