Checked the coolant level and noticed a very fine layer/coating of red "something" inside the tank. It wipes off easily with my finger, coolant is crystal clear with a light red tint. I have never needed to top up the coolant. Car has never given cause for concern (well not engine wise). Car is a MY19 1.6 diesel. 25k miles. Main dealer serviced. It will be going to the local main dealer for it's first MOT just before the warranty ends.

I would welcome your thoughts before I become paranoid about the infamous "tea bag".

Does it have "mit silikat" printed on the tank?

Unfortunately, yes. G13 Mit silikat. 

Thinks there's your answer.....act quickly to prevent expensive clogging of heater matrix. Is it still in warranty?

Easy test for MIT silikat depositing it's granules into your system and blocking the heater matrix, is to check the air vents on the driver's side are as warm as the passenger side. 

 

I realised mine was blocked/playing up soon after a cambelt change,  when my right hand was freezing every morning as it was blowing cold air out. 😆

 

 

Booked in for MOT before end of warranty, will add this to the booking. 

Don't let the dealer fob you off if still in warranty.

 

Insist coolant should not leave any residue/staining in the expansion tank. Mine is bright pink since my indy flushed my system,  changed the coolant twice, and replaced the expansion tank for the latest revision that has no silica bag/ compartment 17k ago miles.   My matrix is still part blocked as I decided to see how it was after their work but its bearable. 

 

there as another recent post on this subject and dealer quoted ~£1300 to rectify. It's a dash out job at main dealer. 

Edited 12 February, 20224 yr by paulski

So went to main agent, who openly discussed silicate tea bags and casting sand but we agreed my issue was "probably" not linked to those issues. He then consulted a couple of techs who said "they are all like that". I then challenged him to pick a used car at random and check the header tank, sure enough it had some film on the inside of the tank. I think they genuinely do not know what it is. I have got the header tank (and electric tailgate struts) on the job sheet for the MOT prior to the warranty ending.

So is it normal and does anyone else have a very fine orangey red film that easily comes off onto your finger in their header tank?  

Now wondering about taking up the extended warranty! 

11 minutes ago, GreenMachine1.6 said:

Now wondering about taking up the extended warranty! 

Might be cheaper for you to take the all in package. 2 year warranty, 2 services, 2 Mots, and 2 yr breakdown cover for £32/month

 

https://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/all-in-service-plan