johnny quattro

I don't wish to beat this one to death, but, I have been doing some comparative research regarding the G11 & G12 coolant.

As I understand it, G11 is pink, and G12 is Purple, but both grades of Audi/VW coolants are to the coolant spec VW TL 774 D (Lifetime specification).

My stealership charges up to $35 per jug!

Whilst cruising the antifreeze/coolant isle in my local Canadian Tire Store, I noticed that Canadian Tire have recently added an own brand of lifetime, ready mixed coolant, pale yellow color (labeled for Asian vehicles) that is to the specification VW TL 774 D, for $15.99 per jug!

As it is specified the same as the VW/Audi spec, I am now using this coolant for top up purposes!

Has anyone else made this observation, or using this alternative at less than half the VW/Audi price?

Have I missed something?

MapleSyrup

G12 was pink ,but i guessing they recently changed to purple? because my jug of G12 is pink lol, anyways mixing engine coolants can cause a problem and create a sludge issue that will eventually damage your engine, so i would recommend not mixing your engine coolants. If you flush your entire system and then refill with the another coolant then it should be fine(as long as its VW/audi specs , I heard GM specs thou will cause problems) . Also you should not have to constantly top off your engine coolant , it is a sealed system, if you find yourself constantly topping it off you probably have a leak somewhere.

to answer the second part, no i have never used another brand to top off my engine coolant, i always used G12 with distilled water, but i still have the same jug i used 2 years ago ( more then half full still) and it will probably last until i sell the car.

johnny quattro

Thanks, Will. Appreciate the input!

I am perplexed over my occasional coolant top up requirement.

Changed coolant flange (because of prior evidence of coolant leak at rear of engine block), pressure tested system OK, no evidence of leaks but every so often I notice some steam vapor rising from the front passenger side corner of the hood, but occasionally (maybe once per mth) I have to top up my coolant?

Thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated!

I too have just used the last of my first jug purchased 3 years ago.

The alternative coolant question is not a big issue based on my consumption, but I always hate it when I only have the stealership to turn to, Lol!

MapleSyrup

Not sure about the steam, have to look under the car and see if theres a spot that the coolant has been leaking onto to cause it to steam (possibly a bad o-ring? ). and if its your engine coolant your topping off then there might be a small leak in your system. i only topped off my engine coolant once ever since i bought the car 3 yrs ago.

yes the dealership overcharges ( got mine for 20$ thou :P ) but if you want to use the other brand, i highly suggest you flush the system first of g12 then refill , so you dont run into issues with mixing.

seanf

I use GM dexcool :O chemically they're very similar and I've run it in my b5 for the last year, in the b6 I have a jug of g12+ for topping up altho the euro shop I bought the car from had jugs of dexcool laying around

cyrusli

You don't have to buy it from the Audi dealership, You can save a few bucks and get it from a VW dealership.

I would stick with G12 just because it's recommended, less to worry about.

johnny quattro

thx! Good point!