Hi,

I have an Octavia MK1 VRS and need to top up the coolant.

I can see on the expansion bottle it states G12.

I cant seem to find any G12 to buy, only G12+.

Is G12+ able to be added to G12? (I read somewhere where someone had put together a grid that it shouldnt be) but they look the same in colour? (Mine is slightly browner than pink)

Any advise appreciated,

Thanks,

B

20 minutes ago, Ben12345 said:

Hi,

I have an Octavia MK1 VRS and need to top up the coolant.

I can see on the expansion bottle it states G12.

I cant seem to find any G12 to buy, only G12+.

Is G12+ able to be added to G12? (I read somewhere where someone had put together a grid that it shouldnt be) but they look the same in colour? (Mine is slightly browner than pink)

Any advise appreciated,

Thanks,

B

Heres what I found and have seen the same on VW forums If you cant find G12 Do a complete flush and use G13 Older stuff is Glycol based and turns into jelly if mixed with latest and will ruin your engine

No, generally G12 and G13 coolants should not be mixed as they have different chemical compositions that can cause a reaction, leading to a gelatinous substance that can clog the cooling system and damage components. However, the newest G12++ and G12evo specifications can often be mixed with G13, and G13 is sometimes considered a backward-compatible replacement for G12. If mixing is absolutely necessary, it's best to upgrade to the newer G12evo or G13 and perform a complete system flush. 

All information I've seen state that G12 and G13 are completely compatible.

1 minute ago, Warrior193 said:

All information I've seen state that G12 and G13 are completely compatible.

I Suggest you do some more reading then as what I posted has been backed up on VW forums as one is Glycol based and G13 isnt and they turn into jelly if mixed . Your car your money but I wouldnt be doing it Surely the OP can find some G12 in a shop somewhere

Your reference information may be incorrect - G13 coolant is actually Glycol based (mono ethylene Glycol) with 20% Glycerin.

Here you go Mix at your own risk https://www.championlubes.com/en-us/news/g13-antifreeze-and-coolant-important-facts-you-need-to-know.. Im just trying to be helpful while erring on the side of dont do it if you are not sure I would flush completely and refill. Also read this regarding using in older models https://www.championlubes.com/en-us/news/g13-antifreeze-and-coolant-important-facts-you-need-to-know

you can put small amount of G12+ to G12.

dont use G13.

Thanks all

What I've learned form this is G12+ should be fine to top up a G12 coolant system which is what I may need to do.

Appreciate your thoughts and comments and links

G12+ should be compatible with G12. I think its newer but backwards compatible. Saying that if yours is brownish in colour it could probably do with a flush and a change anyway. Not sure when your timing belt etc needs changed. If its fairly soon you could get a coolant change at the same time. On my 1.9tdi it requires draining anyway to do the waterpump and belt.