2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI Coolant

To protect the engine, the mixture must always contain at least 40% coolant additive even in warm weather or climates where antifreeze protection is not needed.
If more antifreeze protection is needed for climate conditions, the percentage of coolant additive can be increased. However, the coolant additive percentage must never be more than 60%; otherwise, antifreeze protection is reduced and the ability of the mixture to cool the engine is also reduced.
When adding engine coolant, use a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13
or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) for optimum corrosion protection ⇒ .
Do not mix G 13 with G 12 plus or G 11. Mixing these coolant additives together significantly reduces
corrosion protection ⇒ and can lead to engine damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
WARNING
Too little antifreeze protection in the engine cooling system can cause engine failure and severe injuries.
x Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper antifreeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected where the vehicle will be used.
x At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could be without protection at subfreezing temperatures.
NOTICE
Never mix original Volkswagen engine coolant additives with other additives not approved by Volkswagen. Mixing Volkswagen coolant additives with coolant additives made by other manufacturers can seriously damage the engine and the engine cooling system.
x If the fluid in the engine coolant reservoir is any color but pink, then G 13 was mixed with a different engine coolant. If this is the case, the engine coolant must be replaced immediately. Otherwise serious malfunctions or engine damage can occur!
Engine coolant and engine coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Fig. 157 Coolant expansion tank in the engine compartment.

Fig. 158 Coolant expansion tank cap in the engine compartment.

Adding engine coolant
x Always protect face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Carefully unscrew the cap ⇒ .
x Add only new engine coolant according to Volkswagen specifications (⇒ Engine coolant
specifications) ⇒ .
x Only refill coolant if there is coolant in the expansion tank. If there is no coolant visible in the expansion tank, the engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank, do not drive the vehicle. Seek professional assistance.
x If you can see coolant in the expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains stable.
x The engine coolant level must be inside the marks on the side of the expansion tank . Do not fill
above the top edge of the filling range! ⇒
x Screw the lid tightly.
x Even in an emergency, do not use any other kind of coolant additive if engine coolant that meets
Volkswagen specifications (⇒ Engine coolant specifications) is not available! Instead, add distilled
water only ⇒ . As soon as possible, have the correct coolant ratio restored using engine coolant
that meets Volkswagen specifications ⇒ Engine coolant specifications.
WARNING
Hot steam and hot engine coolant can cause serious burns.
x Never open the hood if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine.
x Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood. Hot components will burn skin on contact.
x When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only).
– 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 cannot be started by depressing the starter
button ⇒ Starter button.
– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave them unsupervised.
x 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.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire. Under some conditions, the ethylene glycol in engine coolant can catch fire.

NOTICE
x 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 refilled completely with the proper coolant.
x Refill engine coolant only up to the top edge of the marked fill range . Excess engine coolant may be forced out of the engine cooling system when it gets hot and cause damage.
x In the case of significant engine coolant loss, refill engine coolant only when the engine is completely cooled down. Significant engine coolant loss is a sign of leaks in the cooling system. Have the engine cooling system checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the engine may be damaged!
x 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 assistance. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
x When changing or topping off operating fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Serious malfunctions and engine damage can result if you pour operating fluids into the wrong reservoir.

x Accessories and other things installed in front of the cooling air intakes impair the efficiency of the engine coolant. The engine can overheat under high outside temperatures or under high engine loads!
Leaking operating fluids can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids in suitable containers and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Repairs and technical modifications