Noticed my coolant getting bit low (near low mark now) I did too it up to near max on the header tank about a year ago, not in oil or no oil in header tank, not low enough for warning and no overheating

I’m guessing an incredibly slow leak somewhere, any places to look?

Think I’ve read on here other people had similar issues and usually it’s the water pump, but is it possible to visually see or just a case of shining a torch and see if anything looks wet?

Mine is a 2016 with 50k miles, still on original belt and pump, I believe early water pumps like mine are known to leak/crap, sound right?

I’ll be changing timing belt and water pump at some point this year but might speed me up if it’s water pump issue

Thanks

Edited 1 March1 Mar by Danoid

Personally, I'd suggest topping the level back to just beneath the Max. line and monitor carefully for the next month - the quantity you have apparently 'lost' over a year is very small.

Top up with G13 or G12 evo.

I had a fairly good look this morning in the engine bay and looks normal but I suppose if it’s leaking somewhere such a tiny amount I wouldn’t see it

I’m going to order a new expansion tank as mines the silicone bag still, then top up with G13

Then later on when I get the timing belt done most of it will come out with the water pump removal, but might get a flush to be sure

I assume you will be following recommended practice for TDI in replacing the water pump when you get the belt done.

54 minutes ago, Danoid said:

I had a fairly good look this morning in the engine bay and looks normal but I suppose if it’s leaking somewhere such a tiny amount I wouldn’t see it

I’m going to order a new expansion tank as mines the silicone bag still, then top up with G13

Then later on when I get the timing belt done most of it will come out with the water pump removal, but might get a flush to be sure

It sounds as if you've been lucky to not experience the 'teabag' failure issue - is the coolant still normal colour?

1 hour ago, Warrior193 said:

It sounds as if you've been lucky to not experience the 'teabag' failure issue - is the coolant still normal colour?

Yeah normal colour and smell

I noticed a similar loss about 5 years ago with my 2.0tdi 150ps. Every 5k miles it dropped max to min. I removed the silica gel pouch from the header tank (partially split) and have had no drops since. I did a full flush with G12evo last year (partial flush previously) and still no issues.