Chaps.

Quick question.

vRS TDi, 8500 miles, 9 months old.

Right, I must admit I haven't ever checked the coolant level since I took delivery, last night, the check coolant light came on. Checked this morning and level was below minimum.

Considering the time since new and maybe the mileage, is this considered normal? It's the first time it's happened?

Thanks.

What was the level when new?  Mine was low from the factory, topped it up once and it's been fine since, now on 20k miles. 

They shouldn't lose a drop really, but seeing as you don't know where it started from it may have been right on the minimum when it was 20 degrees outside, now it is cooler it could just be down to temperature.

 

Top it up and keep an eye on it, if it drops again get it looked at.

Had my car over a year now & coolant level is fine & haven't had to top it up.

Have you noticed any leaks below the car? Might be a good idea to have a look under the engine bay to see if there are any telltale signs of coolant.

I would monitor it for a few days, keeping an eye on the level & if it does drop a visit to the dealer is called for.

Ok guys, thank you.

No signs of coolant under the vehicle and as you guys rightly point out, I assumed it was on max before I drove her away new.

Topped up now, will monitor the situation and report back...

Shouldn't the dealers sort this before you pick up the car?

Yes, that's assuming it was low when they released the car to me which of course we will never be sure.

It was brand new and I did all the usual checks for external damage etc. etc. but to be honest I didn't look under the bonnet.

I will keep an eye on things for a week or two...

Mine dropped a month or so ago to just below minimum. Garage pressure tested and all was fine. Topped it up and no problems since.

Put it down to trapped air. A few others have reported the same on here - one drop in coolant but topped up and never had a problem since.

Cars do not use coolant as its a sealed system. If it drops its because it's leaked or air as above.

Ok, thank you.

If it is trapped air (and I really hope it is), it's taken a while to release.

As James said, air trapped in the system is pretty common, a long run at higher temps and revs, such as on the motorway, is often what finally shifts it. I had mine drop in a couple of stages in the first 1000 miles or so, topped it up and it seems OK since but I am still keeping a close watch on it. I find the level, when cold, seems to go up and down a little. Ambient temp and pressure I guess.

This has been mentioned a few times on here before http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/325758-coolent-prob/?hl=%2Bcoolant#entry3907978

It's weird my car did exactly the same this morning and is now below minimum. I know it was fine last time I checked it about 6 weeks ago. It's going in for it's first service tomorrow so I'll ask them to check the system and I'll report back.

Mine has done 8.5k and I've just had to top it up. Asked a mate of mine who a vag specialist and he said that they have seen similar on a few new cars from the vag range.

Ok chaps, cheers for the additional feedback, will advise more over the next few weeks.

My 150 TDI did the same. Level now fine. As others have said probably trapped air in the system released from a good long drive.

I noticed it on mine having driven it to Liverpool and back (approx 600 mile round trip, pretty much all motorway/dual carriageway).

Hi

Mine had the same problem, went to start my car when the warning com on. Had to top up about half a pint, was on a slope but it in the drive of my property in France. Which it has been to 5 times since I got it? It has now done 6000 miles back n forwards to France!!

Nice to know that others are having the same problem!!

Steve

My car went into the dealer today for it's service and they checked the coolant system for any leaks and pressure tested the system. Apparently it's all fine and there are no leaks. I'll keep an eye on it but hopefully it's a one off.

My coolant level light came on today, dealer said stick some water in it, it will be fine!

I'd tend to agree if it has just dropped a bit since new as air locks have come out, and so long as it hasn't gone down far. The difference between the min and Max line is not much, maybe 100ml and without looking it up I'd guess the total coolant volume is 4 to 6 litres (?). So you won't affect the concentration much, but don't get in the habit of just adding water. A bottle of the vag antifreeze isn't expensive, I suggest you top up with a bit of water for now, leave room for a roughly equal amount of antifreeze and get some when next near the dealers.