Get Checking and refilling -> Engine coolant Guide for Volkswagen Golf 4 Door 2023

Engine coolant specifications

Engine coolant

Please read the introductory information and

Introduction

heed the Warnings and Notice

on page 251.

Never do any work on the coolant system unless you

— know exactly how to carry out the job,

The cooling system is filled at the factory with

a mixture of specially prepared water and at least

40% coolant additive.

— have the correct technical information and the

proper tools, supplies, and operating fluids, and

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-

ized Volkswagen Service Facility to find out which

engine coolant is suitable for your vehicle. Volkswa-

gen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswa-

gen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facili-

ty.

— are familiar with the necessary safety precautions

→

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done

by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

To protect the engine cooling system, there must al-

ways be at least a 40% proportion of coolant addi-

tive. If greater freeze protection is needed due to

the climate, the proportion of coolant additive can

be increased. However, the proportion of coolant

additive must not exceed 60%, because otherwise

the freeze protection will be reduced and the cool-

ing effect will be decreased.

Serious personal injury may result from improperly

performed work.

WARNING

Engine coolant is poisonous!

Always keep the coolant in its original container

stored in a safe place.

The engine coolant additive can be recognized by its

purple color. The mixture of water and coolant addi-

tive provides freeze protection down to -13 °F

(-25 °C), protects the aluminum alloy parts of the

cooling system from corrosion, prevents limescale

deposits, and increases the boiling point of the cool-

ant.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never store en-

gine coolant in empty food or beverage contain-

ers or in any other containers that might mis-

lead someone into drinking from them.

Always keep engine coolant out of reach of chil-

dren.

Always make sure there is enough of the correct

If the engine coolant is being topped up, a blend of

distilled water and at least 40% of an appropriate

engine coolant additive must be used to ensure opti-

mum corrosion protection → page 251.

coolant additive to provide proper antifreeze

protection at the coldest temperatures that can

be expected where the vehicle will be used.

At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant

could freeze, causing the vehicle to break down.

The heater would also not work, and vehicle oc-

cupants could be without protection at sub-

freezing temperatures.

WARNING

Gilt für Verbrennungsmotoren #

Insufficient freeze protection in the engine cooling

system can cause engine malfunctions, which can

result in serious injuries.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the

environment. Collect leaking operating fluids

and dispose of them properly in accordance with ap-

plicable environmental laws and regulations.

Make sure that the correct proportion of engine

coolant additive based on the lowest outside

temperature that is expected is used in the ve-

hicle.

In extremely low temperatures, the coolant can

freeze and the vehicle would be unable to start.

Because the heater will also no longer function

in that situation, vehicle occupants could freeze

if they do not have sufficient warm clothing.

Warning light and engine coolant

temperature gauge

Please read the introductory information and

heed the Warnings and Notice

on page 251.

WARNING

Gilt für Hybridmotoren #

For more information, please see → page 22.

Insufficient freeze protection in the vehicle cooling

system can cause malfunctions in the hybrid drive

system, which can result in serious injuries.

Engine coolant

251

Make sure that the correct proportion of engine

coolant additive based on the lowest outside

temperature that is expected is used in the ve-

hicle.

changed immediately. Otherwise, serious mal-

functions or damage to the electric drivetrain and

cooling system could occur.

Engine coolant and coolant additives can harm

the environment. Catch any leaking operating

fluids and dispose of them correctly according to en-

vironmental regulations.

In extremely low temperatures, the coolant can

freeze and the vehicle would be unable to start.

Because the heater will also no longer function

in that situation, vehicle occupants could freeze

if they do not have sufficient warm clothing.

WARNING

Engine coolant specifications

Gilt für Elektroantrieb #

Please read the introductory information and

Insufficient antifreeze in the vehicle cooling sys-

tem can cause malfunctions in the electric drive-

train, which can result in serious injuries.

heed the Warnings and Notice

on page 251.

The cooling system is filled at the factory with

a mixture of specially prepared water and at least

40% coolant additive.

Make sure that the correct proportion of engine

coolant additive based on the lowest outside

temperature that is expected is used in the ve-

hicle.

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-

ized Volkswagen Service Facility to find out which

engine coolant is suitable for your vehicle. Volkswa-

gen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswa-

gen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facili-

ty.

In extremely low temperatures, the coolant can

freeze and the vehicle would be unable to start.

Because the heater will also no longer function

in that situation, vehicle occupants could freeze

if they do not have sufficient warm clothing.

To protect the engine cooling system, there must al-

ways be at least a 40% proportion of coolant addi-

tive. If greater freeze protection is needed due to

the climate, the proportion of coolant additive can

be increased. However, the proportion of coolant

additive must not exceed 60%, because otherwise

the freeze protection will be reduced and the cool-

ing effect will be decreased.

NOTICE

Never mix Genuine Volkswagen coolant additives

with coolants that are not approved by Volkswagen.

Gilt für Verbrennungsmotoren # If the fluid in the

coolant expansion tank is not pink-colored (the

color comes from the mixture of the purple cool-

ant additive with distilled water) but is, for exam-

ple, brown instead, the suitable engine coolant

was mixed with another engine coolant that is

not suitable. In this case, have the engine coolant

changed immediately. Otherwise, serious mal-

functions or damage to the engine and cooling

system could occur.

The engine coolant additive can be recognized by its

purple color. The mixture of water and coolant addi-

tive provides freeze protection down to -13 °F

(-25 °C), protects the aluminum alloy parts of the

cooling system from corrosion, prevents limescale

deposits, and increases the boiling point of the cool-

ant.

Gilt für Hybridmotoren # If the fluid in the coolant

expansion tank is not pink-colored (the color

comes from the mixture of the purple coolant ad-

ditive with distilled water) but is, for example,

brown instead, the suitable engine coolant was

mixed with another engine coolant that is not

suitable. In this case, have the engine coolant

changed immediately. Otherwise, serious mal-

functions or damage to the hybrid drive system

and cooling system could occur.

If the engine coolant is being topped up, a blend of

distilled water and at least 40% of an appropriate

engine coolant additive must be used to ensure opti-

mum corrosion protection → page 251.

WARNING

Insufficient freeze protection in the engine cooling

system can cause engine malfunctions, which can

result in serious injuries.

Make sure that the correct proportion of engine

Gilt für Elektroantrieb # If the fluid in the coolant

expansion tank is not pink-colored (the color

comes from the mixture of the purple coolant ad-

ditive with distilled water) but is, for example,

brown instead, the suitable engine coolant was

mixed with another engine coolant that is not

suitable. In this case, have the engine coolant

coolant additive based on the lowest outside

temperature that is expected is used in the ve-

hicle.

In extremely low temperatures, the coolant can

freeze and the vehicle would be unable to start.

Because the heater will also no longer function

252

Checking and refilling

in that situation, vehicle occupants could freeze

if they do not have sufficient warm clothing.

NOTICE

Never mix Genuine Volkswagen coolant additives

with coolants that are not approved by Volkswagen.

If the fluid in the coolant expansion tank is not

pink-colored (the color comes from the mixture of

the purple coolant additive with distilled water)

but is, for example, brown instead, the suitable

engine coolant was mixed with another engine

coolant that is not suitable. In this case, have the

engine coolant changed immediately. Otherwise,

serious malfunctions or damage to the engine and

cooling system could occur.

Fig. 173 Coolant expansion tank cap in the engine

compartment.

If the coolant level drops too low, the engine coolant

level/temperature warning light comes on.

Engine coolant and coolant additives can harm

the environment. Catch any leaking operating

fluids and dispose of them correctly according to en-

vironmental regulations.

Preparations

— Park the vehicle on level ground.

— Always let the engine cool down →

— Open the engine hood → page 241, In the en-

gine compartment.

Checking engine coolant level and

topping off

— There is a symbol on the cap of the engine

coolant expansion tank → fig. 173.

Checking engine coolant level

Please read the introductory information and

— When the engine is cold, check the engine coolant

level relative to the marking on the side of the ex-

pansion tank → fig. 172.

heed the Warnings and Notice

on page 251.

— If the coolant level in the tank is below the mini-

mum mark (“min”), add coolant. When the engine

is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly

above the upper edge of the marked range.

Adding engine coolant

— Always protect face, hands, and arms from hot

escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap

with a large, thick rag.

— Carefully unscrew the cap →

— Add only new engine coolant according to Volks-

wagen specifications () →

Fig. 172 Coolant expansion tank in the engine com-

partment.

— Only refill coolant if there is coolant in the expan-

sion tank. If there is no coolant visible in the ex-

pansion tank, the engine could be damaged. If

you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank,

do not drive the vehicle. Seek professional assis-

tance.

— If you can see coolant in the expansion tank, refill

coolant until the level remains stable.

— The engine coolant level must be inside the marks

on the side of the expansion tank → fig. 172. Do

not fill above the top edge of the filling range!

→

Engine coolant

253

— Screw the lid tightly.

— Always protect your face, hands, and arms

from hot escaping coolant or steam by cover-

ing the cap with a large, thick rag.

— Even in an emergency, do not use any other kind

of coolant additive if engine coolant that meets

Volkswagen specifications () is not available! In-

stead, add distilled water only → . As soon as

possible, have the correct coolant ratio restored

using engine coolant that meets Volkswagen

specifications.

Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust sys-

tem when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot parts

of the engine or exhaust system can cause

a fire. Under some conditions, the ethylene gly-

col in engine coolant can catch fire.

WARNING

NOTICE

Hot steam and hot engine coolant can cause seri-

ous burns.

Use distilled water only when adding coolant! All

other types of water contain chemical compounds

that can cause extensive corrosion damage to the

engine. This can even lead to engine failure. If you

have added non-distilled water, take the vehicle

immediately to an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to

have the coolant system drained, flushed, and re-

filled completely with the proper coolant.

Never open the hood if you see steam or cool-

ant escaping from the engine compartment. Al-

ways wait until you no longer see or hear steam

or coolant escaping from the engine.

Always let the engine cool down completely be-

fore carefully opening the hood. Hot compo-

nents will burn skin on contact.

Refill engine coolant only up to the top edge of

the marked fill range → fig. 172. Excess engine

coolant may be forced out of the engine cooling

system when it gets hot and cause damage.

When the engine has cooled down and you are

ready to open the hood:

— Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the

transmission to Park (P).

In the case of significant engine coolant loss, refill

engine coolant only when the engine is complete-

ly cooled down. Significant engine coolant loss is

a sign of leaks in the cooling system. Have the en-

gine cooling system checked immediately by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the engine

may be damaged!

— Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.

— On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure

that the remote control vehicle key is out of

range of the vehicle and that the vehicle can-

not be started by depressing the starter but-

ton → page 142, Starter button.

— Always keep children and others away from

the engine compartment and never leave

them unsupervised.

Do not refill engine coolant if there is no coolant

in the expansion tank. Air could enter the cooling

system. Do not drive the vehicle! Seek expert as-

sistance. Failure to do so can result in engine

damage.

The engine coolant system is under pressure

when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the

coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is

hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause severe

burns and other serious injuries.

When changing or topping off operating fluids,

make sure that you pour the fluids into the cor-

rect reservoirs. Serious malfunctions and engine

damage can result if you pour operating fluids in-

to the wrong reservoir.

— Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in

a counterclockwise direction while applying

light downward pressure on the top of the

cap.

254

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Checking and refilling -> Engine coolant for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door 2023

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