Found some Pentosin Pentofrost SF locally for about $11/1.5L!
Thanks for the help

 

You will be thankful in the future you chose the specified coolant.

My 1996 B5 Quattro has only had G012 coolant in over 322 000km of use with no issues with the radiator or heater core.

Last year, I needed to replace the air conditioner evaporator due to a small leak and decided to replace the heater core since they are both in the same housing. The sixteen year old heater core showed no signs of leakage nor had any mineral deposits when I examined it.

Perhaps I am just very lucky...

 

I just changed out the G11 blue coolant in my '96, with G13 from the local VW dealer, who charged me only about $23/gallon. I drained the radiator, blew out the heater core and oil "cooler" hoses, filled the system with water, drove to operating temp, then purged all the water. Filled with G13 and distilled water 50:50, the resulting color is red. I also found some leaks that I didn't know about. Because the old coolant was so diluted from topping up with water, it evaporated without leaving a trace. But the G13 is 20% glycerin, and left red slimy globs on the garage floor to locate the leaks by.

 

Turbo, thank you for mentioning the distilled water 50:50 dilution. I forgot to point that out earlier.

It is always nice to find the leaks and deal with them than be stranded on the side of the road overheating!

 

G13 is perfectly compatible with G12 systems Check out the chart below and our PDF for more information on coolant.



PDF here

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jason