radiator fluid: can i use any coolant?

[jaylay]

ive read that the beetles have pink coolant. can i just use the coolats they sell at walmart, the ones that say compatible with any color coolants and makes of cars?

[gilligan]

I wouldn't you gotta get the G12 coolant from vw or you'll be sorry.

[noR]

I'm all about DIY. But no. I would not rely on that fluid. I would get the fluid [1 jug is plenty] from VW and some distilled water from the grocery store.

Some cars have aluminum blocks, some have iron blocks, some have various other metals or plastics in the coolant chain.

These metals all act differently. They react differently to the types of fluid.

And if you get it wrong; your cooling system dies and the car becomes a paperweight.

[jaylay]

how much is the coolant at VW? can i get it anywhere else?

[SilverSportNOLA]

I think it is around $12 - 15 for a gallon ... I bought some recently for my upcoming T-Belt change but don't remember what I paid. They are the best place for it ... you can get it a little cheaper from some of the VW parts and performance places online .... but you have to remember it is heavy and when you add shipping it will cost more than the dealer.

Don't use the other stuff ... unless you are married to a mechanic or have deep pockets.

[speedie]

You can get G12 from www.germanautoparts.com