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Coolants
Coolants
Which coolant should be used?
Use only the specification prescribed for the exact vehicle and cooling circuit. Coolant colour alone cannot identify the correct fill; the prescribed specification and approved application govern.
| Coolant | Specification |
|---|---|
| G12++ | VW TL 774 G |
| G13 | VW TL 774 J |
| G12evo | VW TL 774 L |
Additional information about genuine packs
| Product | Part number | Pack and form |
|---|---|---|
| G12++ | G 012 A8G M1 | 1.5 l · concentrate |
| G13 | G 013 A8J M1 | 1.5 l · concentrate |
| Škoda G12evo | 000 096 320 JG | 1 l · ready mix · −35 °C |
| G12evo | G 12E 050 A2 | 1 l · ready mix |
Part numbers identify specific products and packs. Verify suitability for the vehicle and cooling circuit, and any current superseding number, against the vehicle documentation and catalogue.
Mixing and frost protection
A product marked “ready mix” is prepared for use and must not be diluted further with water.
Concentrate must be mixed with the specified water. For this guidance use distilled water; use other water only where the manufacturer expressly permits it.
The ratio depends on the exact product, vehicle and lowest expected operating temperature. Neat concentrate does not automatically provide the best protection; exceeding the specified proportion can impair cooling and frost protection.
A 1:1 ratio does not universally mean −35 °C or −40 °C. Conversion from ratio to temperature must be documented for the exact concentrate; a G12++/G13 table is not a universal G12evo instruction.
Actual frost protection depends on the original fill and previous top-ups. If uncertain, have the coolant checked with suitable measuring equipment by a workshop.
Hybrids and electric vehicles – sealed reservoirs
Some hybrid and electric vehicles use several separate cooling circuits. Some versions have two expansion reservoirs, one of which is sealed. Their number and purpose depend on the exact vehicle.
Do not open a sealed reservoir, break its seal, or add coolant or water. Its level may only be checked visually as stated by the vehicle manual. Customer top-up is permitted only for a circuit that the manufacturer allows for the exact vehicle.
If the level falls in a sealed circuit, a workshop must find the cause, check for leaks, and determine repair and filling under the manufacturer procedure.
Checking the level and topping up
This procedure applies only to a reservoir that the manufacturer permits the customer to top up on the exact vehicle. It does not apply to a sealed or workshop-only circuit.
- Park on firm level ground, switch off the drive and ignition, and allow the system to cool completely. Do not open a hot or pressurised reservoir.
- Use the manual to identify the correct reservoir and specified coolant safely.
- Check the cold level against the reservoir marks. If it is between MIN and MAX, topping up is normally unnecessary.
- Top up only if coolant remains in the reservoir and the manual permits the procedure.
- Open the cap carefully. Add only new specified coolant and do not exceed the upper mark.
- Close the cap securely. Check the cold level again, for example on the following day.
Coolant loss and workshop assistance
A substantial or repeated coolant loss can indicate a leak or another fault. The cause and system tightness require qualified inspection; repeated topping up can conceal the fault.
If the reservoir is completely empty, do not continue driving or treat the situation as a simple top-up. With a red warning or STOP instruction, stop safely, follow the vehicle message and seek qualified assistance.
Do not add sealing products or unknown fluids. Do not judge compatibility of different specifications by colour or a general trade description.