Hi

Always a bit suspicious of car manufacturers claims that only their unique oil/grease/fluid/filter etc will do and that everything else will destroy your car. However going to play it safe with coolant for current car as still fairly new.

Only looking to top up – level is between max and min but would prefer to have it at max.

Car 1.9 TDI

Registered Feb 2009 but car is 2008 manufactured, 2008 model year pre FL.

Coolant expansion bottle only has G12 on it, no + or ++.

According to Haynes therefore VWG12 Plus Plus coolant

(up to 2007 MY VWG12+ from 2008 MY VWG12++)

The only Owner’s Manual I have is probably for a slightly earlier car:

Navod k obsluze

Octavia anglicky 05.07

S64.5610.04.20

1Z0 012 003 FA

This manual refers to coolant additive G12 Plus (purple in colour) - complies with specification TL-VW 774 F

I would describe the coolant in my car as pink rather than purple but obviously that is in diluted form. The car has had 2 variable interval main dealer services but as I have not had the car from new I cannot be 100% sure as to what is in it. Engine will have been out at main dealer for a SMF conversion in early 2012.

Would pink colour be consistent with G12 Plus Plus?

What is currently available?

I am looking for something compatable as I do not want to completely drain the system for a minor top up.

(G12, G12+,G12++, G13 and no clear message from VAG regarding compatibility. I feel this is a quite intentional ploy to get as to be good little consumers and get the dealer to see to it)

Thanks

I seem to recall it's something to do with phosphate in cheapo anti-freeze that it is said will attack the synthetic rubber seals.

Thanks, should have said what compatable additive(s) are available from theVAG empire? - willing to pay the price - not looking for budget alternatives.

Thers is some info out there about all the different VAG coolants, their colours and which are compatable, it is not however entirely conclusive or all in agreement.

Thanks

G12+ is fine as is ++ and G13

oh and mine is G12++ and is pink.