Got a small leak somewhere, getting it tested to fix but will be changing the original coolant just cos, so not a bad thing. Must have had G12 coolant in but gonna put the newer G13 in, just wondering if it's irrelevant as to what make I use, based on other fluids being VERY tetchy in cars nowadays (gearbox oil being rubbish if not oem, for example). ECP do a Triple QX pre-mixed G13 5l bottle so was gonna get a couple of those so I've got some left over after the refill just in case and it'll be all nicely mixed, only £13 for the lot. Any other preferences??

 

Secondly to the above, if one was to buy concentrate and top up with water, (skoda are saying they stick two 1.5l bottles in and top up) has it changed from the old days where you just used tap water? Sure I heard about some using distilled or deionised water so pipes don't fur up... so what's people's opinions of this??

A quick Google for "G-13 antifreeze" turned up plenty of hits confirming that it is an OAT like G-12(+(+)), including one for "genuine VAG G13 G12 antifreeze". So that bit looks ok.

 

I never had any issues with using neat antifreeze plus tap water, but I live in a soft water area, and you don't.

Ah, yeah, I know it's fine to use cos it's an OAT one, just wondering if it's still that simple? The way modern things change with technology one keeps thinking I'm missing something cos it's too easy!!

I'd use demineralised water if you can esp. in harder water areas for the reasons you state.  You can buy it from motor factors, halfords some hardware stores pretty cheaply. 

 

I am always left confused by specific VW fluids (engine oil is ok due to VW Specifications) and generally stick with genuine because it is often hard to confirm 100% acceptability and compatibility.  Having said that, most people recommend original brake fluid too due to ABS pumps and comparability, but having spent ages trawling I discovered Pentosin LV which seems pretty much identical spec to the Genuine stuff, downside was the hours wasted and it cost virtually the same anyway!!

Edited 9 November, 20169 yr by TheClient

G13 Instructions recommend distilled water, local motor factor only has deionised water - aware that they are not the same thing.

 

If you use distilled water who do you get it from?

 

Aware of how to make your own but not keen on this.

I'm not aware of any meaningful difference in this context.  Probably a 'lost in translation' difference only.

G13 Instructions recommend distilled water, local motor factor only has deionised water - aware that they are not the same thing.

 

If you use distilled water who do you get it from?

 

Aware of how to make your own but not keen on this.

 

Is it that hard to get it?

People use it occassionally to top up car batteries as well.

Tesco sell it.

Tesco sell it.

Only one I'm seeing on Tescos on line is:

Glaceau Smart Water 850Ml

 

Vapour distilled spring water with added electrolytes             

Inspired by clouds

Ingredients:

Spring Water, Electrolytes: Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Bicarbonate

 

Wow - inspired by clouds.

But wouldn't the added the added electrolytes kind of negate a big part of what distilled water is all about.

 

Will have a look instore at weekend.

http://m.tesco.com/h5/groceries/r/www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=272512807

We have a condenser tumble dryer and I use the water from that. It is, in essence, distilled water.

Edited 8 December, 20169 yr by Metblackrat

http://www.waterandmorehub.com/deionized-water-vs-distilled-water/

So, this quote from that link:

 

"Deionized water vs distilled water – DI water is as pure as the distilled water or even purer;"

 

suggests that distilled water has no advantage over de-ionised for this job, maybe even the converse.

I went in to my local auto factors and asked for G13 coolant recently but they didn't have it. The guy in the shop said to use G30 which he did have.  Its the same pinky colour  as the original G12 that presumably the car was filled with from new. The bottle does say 'for VW, Seat, Skoda'. Should this G30 stuff be be ok to mix with G12 or G13? Its been in a month with no discernible problems, hasn't turned to jelly etc?

Edited 13 December, 20169 yr by paddypaws

Only one I'm seeing on Tescos on line is:

Glaceau Smart Water 850Ml

 

Vapour distilled spring water with added electrolytes             

Inspired by clouds

Ingredients:

Spring Water, Electrolytes: Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Bicarbonate

 

Wow - inspired by clouds.

But wouldn't the added the added electrolytes kind of negate a big part of what distilled water is all about.

 

Will have a look instore at weekend.

 

Steer clear - Calcium and Magnesium are the main minerals that form scale.  Good for your bones though!

I replaced the engine coolant sensor on my daughter's late 2009 Ibiza and used some G12+ mixed 50/50 with tap water some years ago to bring the coolant level back up, in fact I finished that premixed quantity up. So, when I went to mix up some more to have available, I was a bit shocked to find "something adhered to/growing" in the bottom of the original G12+ container that I had been using - I didn't expect that!  Maybe there is not enough "killer/cleaner" in our water supply nowadays!

Steer clear - Calcium and Magnesium are the main minerals that form scale.  Good for your bones though!

Yes pretty much what I thought.

http://m.tesco.com/h5/groceries/r/www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=272512807

We have a condenser tumble dryer and I use the water from that. It is, in essence, distilled water.

Along with underpanty fluff..

I think using pre boiled water is ok. That takes most of the limescale out and leaves it in your kettle.

G13 is compatible with all variants of G12.

G11 (older cars - green/blue) is the problem coolant that cannot be mixed with anything else.

Edited 14 December, 20169 yr by xman

Depends if you have temporary or permanent hardness. Ooh Matron.

Boiling will only get rid of the former.De-ionised water is cheap enough to buy anyway from Wilkos.