My coolant is considerably low (I think its a slow leak) , the closet Audi dealer is over 40 miles away, so getting the Audi coolant ( G-13 is that what its called??) is out of the question. Should I either just fill her up with distilled water or get brand X coolant until I can get the leak fixed?




Thanks for the input guys

 

It's G-12. You can get some at VW Dealerships also.

I would stay away from other brand coolants.In time, it can bevery harmful to your engine. You're probably better of using water.

 

I would say use brand x JUST untill you get till the dealership... So your 40 mile trip only. Its better than water. I have had this experience before, and this is what my mechanic told me to do. thanks, Scott

 

its the aux tank prolly has the usuall crack in it. just need to replace it fairly simple. umm yea only use g12 and i guess use either or distilled or xbrand but flush it immmediatly when u get the good stuff

 

2nd. It wont hurt to thin out what little coolant is left in the system with regular H2O.

40 miles isn't a bad drive. Keep the RPMS low.

Then, buy enough G12 for a full coolant flush.

Drive home and flush it out, refill. done.

 

Thanks for the info. guys

The closest VW dealer is even further then the Audi so, looks like I am stuck going the 40 + miles to the Audi

 

Since this is on topic, I have a question.

Is G-12 really NECESSARY? I always see it recommended exclusively, and everyone here swears by it like their radiator will explode if a drop of "generic" gets in the tank. Is there evidence that other brands have caused failures....?

If you look at a bottle of the "revised" Prestone green coolant, it says that it is 100% compatible with ANY make and model. It even *guarantees* that you can mix it with *any* color antifreeze currently in the car, without facing any consequences.

I mean, I'm all about using OEM as much as the next guy. For example I'd never, ever use a non-Mann OEM oil filter, or generic non-synthetic oil, because these are explicitly recommended by Audi, but why all the fuss about G12.........?