I had a low coolant warning this morning. I have Prestone that is 50/50. Is this acceptable?

 

NO!!! Just Add water or what and take it to the dealer so they can top it off. Other coolants are not acceptable for your engine.

 

thank you!

 

Are you saying the dealership has some magical antifreeze that is unavailible anywhere else. I'm pretty sure you don't have to pay the dealership $50.00 or more to add a few ounces of antifreeze. I suspect there is an over the counter brand that will do the trick. I'm sure one the experts would read this forum can help...

 

It is still under warranty, but a PITA to go out and have them add it.

 

Yes. European coolant is phosphate free.

More here: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/autos/vw/technical-faq/

 

and from the document your link opens:

Newer coolants by Prestone (4/60), Arctic, Quaker State and
BASF's Zerex Extreme are phosphate free,
and are sold with different labels as to clearly identify the new product.
They are selling these phosphate free products for environmental reasons!

Note that VW's coolant is also made by BASF, but seems to be
as slightly different formulation than their commercial Zerex product.
According to BASF, Zerex Extreme has been approved to be used in
VW, BMW, MB, Audi, Saab, and Volvo.

 

When I did call the dealer, they did mention phosphate. Just got back and they filled it for free.

 

Keep reading. You'll also notice that Audi/VW coolant is guaranteed to be long life (10+ years), when Prestone and other universal coolants need to be replaced every 2 years.

 

Wonderful that the dealer will do it, but when my 2006 A3 developed a radiator leak in Banff (nearest dealer is in Calgary, 80 miles away), I needed something NOW! Prestone 50/50 was available at the local gas station, and is described as compatible with all other coolant colors.

The Calgary dealer replaced my radiator under warranty, and of course, refilled with Audi coolant.

BTW, my dealer service advisor in Seattle mentioned that she'd seen several A3 radiator leaks. Not sure what the problem was originally, but the Calgary dealer was great, and kept this from screwing up a vacation.