
Coolant 
 Introduction 
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects: 
⇒ Coolant specification  
⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant  
Do not work on the cooling system unless you are familiar with the task, aware of the general safety 
procedures and have the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Serious injuries can be 
caused by carrying out work incorrectly ⇒ . The work should be carried out by a qualified 
workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this 
purpose. 
 
WARNING 
Coolant is toxic. 
ce. 
-original containers as 
people finding these containers may then drink the coolant. 
 
ct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the lowest 
ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to. 
Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will 
also no longer function. 
 
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected 
then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way. 
Coolant specification 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction  
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40% 
coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J). 
The proportion of engine coolant additive must always be at least 40% to protect the cooling system. 
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can 
be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 60%, as this would 
reduce the frost protection again and the cooling effect.  

The coolant additive is dyed purple. The mixture of water and a coolant additive offers anti-freeze 
protection down to -25°C (-13°F), protects the alloy parts in the cooling system against corrosion, 
prevents limescale deposits and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant. 
When refilling the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive - G 13 - or - 
G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used in order to obtain the 
optimum corrosion protection ⇒ . 
Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-VW 774 F), - G 12 - (dyed red) or - G 11 - 
(dyed blue-green) will significantly decrease the level of corrosion protection and should therefore 
be avoided ⇒ . 
 
WARNING 
Insufficient anti-freeze in the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and cause serious 
injuries. 
ive used must be sufficient for the lowest 
ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to. 
Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will 
also no longer function. 
 
NOTICE 
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by 
Volkswagen. 
ts from mixing the purple 
coolant additive with distilled water) but for example, brown instead of purple, - G 13 - has been 
mixed with an unsuitable coolant additive. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is 
the case. Failure to observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions or damage to the engine 
and cooling system. 
 
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected and 
then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way. 
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant  

  Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine due to 
the chemical components contained in the water. This can also lead to engine failure. If any other 
type of water apart from distilled water has been refilled, the fluid in the cooling system should be 
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop. 
⇒ Fig. 188 . Otherwise the excess coolant will 
be forced out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause damage. 
completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the cooling system. The cooling system 
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine 
damage. 
have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can result 
in engine damage. 
correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine 
damage. 
Brake fluid 
 
Fig. 190 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid reservoir. 
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air over the course of time. The brake 
system will be damaged if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake 
fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes and full braking may 
cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels 
of braking power, considerably increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail 
completely. Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that 
functions properly at all times ⇒ . 
Brake fluid specification 
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the vehicle. 
To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen expressly recommends the use of 
brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14. 
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the brake fluid specifications printed on the 
container correspond to the vehicle requirements.  

-volt vehicle batteries should be charged only in well-ventilated spaces. 
-volt vehicle battery. Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can 
already freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F). 
-volt vehicle battery must be replaced if it has ever been frozen. 
the negative cable. 
 
NOTICE 
-volt vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or the engine is 
running. Never use a 12-volt vehicle battery that does not correspond with the vehicle's 
specifications. This can damage the electrical system or electronic components and electrical 
malfunctions can occur. 
to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter in order to charge the 12-volt vehicle battery. The 
electrical system of the vehicle could otherwise be damaged. 
 
12-volt vehicle batteries may contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. Dispose of the 
12-volt vehicle battery in accordance with the regulations. 
 
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Collect any service fluids that escape or are spilt and 
dispose of them properly. 
Troubleshooting 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction  
Vehicle battery (12-volt) 
The indicator lamp lights up red. 
Fault in the alternator. The 12-volt vehicle battery will not be charged by the alternator while the 
vehicle is in motion. 
Switch off any electrical consumers that are not required. Inform a qualified workshop. Have the 
electrical system checked. 
The start/stop system cannot start the engine ⇒ Start/stop system . 
and vehicle battery (12-volt) 
The central warning lamp lights up red and the text message 12 V battery not charging. Stop vehicle. 
is displayed.  

Replacing tyres 
lace tyres at least on an axle-by-axle basis ⇒ . 
type. 
-approved tyres. 
Re-synchronising the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator 
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator must be re-synchronised each time one or more wheels is changed. 
This also applies if the wheels have been swapped, e.g. from the front to the rear ⇒ Tyre monitoring 
system . 
 
WARNING 
Aggressive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the tyres, which 
can cause the tyre to burst. 
from the tyres. 
 
WARNING 
Even if they have not been used, old tyres can suddenly lose pressure or burst, especially at high 
speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries. 
ith 
extra care at all times. 
 
WARNING 
New tyres must be run in as they initially have reduced grip and braking efficiency. 
 km in order to prevent accidents and serious injury. 
 
WARNING 
Wheels must have the necessary clearance. If the wheels do not have the necessary clearance, the 
tyre could rub on parts of the running gear, vehicle body and the brake lines. This can lead to a fault 
in the brake system and to tread separation and thus to a tyre bursting. 
and must not rub on any vehicle body parts. 
  

NOTICE 
Avoid heavy impacts and drive round obstacles whenever possible. Tyres can be deformed by 
potholes and kerb edges especially. This can cause damage to the tyres and wheel rims. 
 
Old tyres should be disposed of as required by legislation. 
 
Volkswagen-approved tyres are guaranteed to have the dimensions that are suitable for the vehicle. 
In the case of other tyres, the tyre seller must provide a certificate from the tyre manufacturer 
stating that the tyre is also suitable for the vehicle. This certificate must be stored in a safe place in 
the vehicle. 
Wheel rims and wheel bolts 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction  
Wheel rims, tyres and wheel bolts are matched to the vehicle type. If different wheel rims are fitted, 
the correct wheel bolts with the correct length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. 
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheel rims from other vehicles. This can 
also apply to wheel rims of the same vehicle type. 
The tightening torque of the wheel bolts must be checked regularly with a properly functioning 
torque wrench. 
Wheel bolts 
The correct wheel bolts must be used for each vehicle type; these bolts must always be tightened 
with the correct tightening torque ⇒ Wheel bolts . 
Wheel rims with bolted rim rings or trim elements 
Rims with bolted-on rings or trim elements consist of several components. These components are 
joined together using special bolts. Damaged wheel rims must be replaced and must always be 
repaired only by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for 
this purpose ⇒ . 
Wheel rim identification 
In some countries, new wheel rims must contain information on certain properties. The following 
information may appear on the wheel rim: 
 
 
 
ed (month/year) 
  

Wheel imbalance may develop when the vehicle is driven; you will notice this by nervous steering 
response. Unbalanced wheels will affect the level of tyre wear. In this case, the wheels should be 
balanced again. 
Incorrect wheel alignment impairs driving safety and increases tyre wear. The running gear should 
be checked by a qualified workshop if tyres show excessive wear. 
 
WARNING 
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side while the vehicle is in motion, this may 
indicate that one of the tyres is damaged. 
 
 Check the tyres and wheel rims for damage. 
 
have the vehicle checked. 
Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel 
 
Fig. 197 In luggage compartment: : handwheel for securing spare wheel, : handwheel for securing 
temporary spare wheel. 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction  
Removing the spare wheel/collapsible spare wheel/temporary spare wheel 
 
⇒ Luggage compartment floor . 
 
th the container. 
⇒ Fig. 197  in an anti-clockwise 
direction. 
 
Stowing the replaced wheel  

 temporary spare wheel should be exchanged for a normal wheel as soon as possible. The 
temporary spare wheel is designed for a short period of use only. 
-supplied wheel bolts. 
ve using more than one spare wheel that differs from the normal tyres. 
⇒ Tyre pressure . 
 
ot fit a temporary spare wheel to the rear axle when towing a trailer ⇒  . 
Tyre lettering and tyre type 
 
Fig. 198 International tyre lettering. 
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction  
⇒ Fig. 198   Tyre lettering 
(example) 
Meaning 
① Product name Individual tyre designation of the manufacturer. 
② DOT The tyre complies with the legal requirements of 
the USA Department of Transportation, 
responsible for tyre safety standards. 
③ JHCO CHWS 2213 Tyre identification number (a) – may be only 
on the inner side of the wheel) and date of