Coolant level low

[2011mom]

So I've had my 2008 NBC about a month now, and before I bought it I had a shop check it out and they said it was perfect. Yesterday the coolant light went on, and today when it was cooled off I checked it and the level is VERY low. So I have 2 questions:

1. When I top it off, I have to buy the special coolant, and then mix it with water (distilled?) in the right proportions, right? I'm totally ignorant when it comes to fixing cars!

2. Why would this level be so low? I'm presuming the mechanic who checked it out a month ago would have checked the fluid levels, so why would it be so low right now? Should I be worried? The car is still under factory warranty until mid December of this year, so if there's a problem I want to know about it soon!

Thanks for any help!

[Smileybug]

I'd top it up and keep an eye on the level. See if you see any leaks under the car.

You need G12 coolant. 50/50 mix of coolant and water is pretty standard.

[2004NBTURBOS]

Make sure you see the coolant level mark. It is almost half way down the globe from the cap. Just dont over fill.

[2011mom]

I saw the minimum level mark. The level is so low I had to practically put my head in the engine to even see it.

So I have to get coolant and mix it 50-50 with water? Does the water have to be distilled water?

Thanks for the replies!

[2004NBTURBOS]

the water should be distilled.....regular h20 has a lot of iron and other minerals that dont play well with aluminum.
Make sure to use the G12 coolant. I found some at NAPA but I had to call around a few places. You can get distilled water at the grocery store or wallyworld.

[2004NBTURBOS]

When you top off the system make sure to check the level frequently, you may have to burp the system of air pockets.

Sent from my DROID X2 using AutoGuide App

[Volksisme]

The yellow prestone "Universal" coolant will also work as well. Just dont use the old green cheap stuff or you will have jellow for coolant.
To be honest you dont really need to mix the universal coolant with Distiled water.

[Smileybug]

I don't trust any of the "Universal" coolants to not gel. I've heard of them still causing issues with G12. I wouldnt mix coolants no matter whats in there, to be honest. G12 really isn't that expensive. Get the right stuff and keep your car happy.

And as far as topping up, just keep track of it. You can top off with water one time, and coolant another. The mix of my coolant isn't an exact science...I had a leak for a bit and topped it off a few times with water, G12 the next few because I had some in my trunk and no water with me. Probably more heavy on the G12 side, but its no real big deal. It becomes more of an issue during the winter when you have below freezing temps.

[Volksisme]

I have had more volkswagens than i can count literally, I am also a mechanic. I have used universal in them and have never had a problem. However if you do not use universal or G12 then you will have jello. In the winter months especially I do not top off with water if i need to top off i am using strait coolant. G12 can be hard to find if you do not have a local stealership of suplier that carries it.

[Smileybug]

Online places have it (GAP, ECSTuning, 1stVwparts...the list goes on). I always have a liter of it in my car no matter what. That way, no worries about topping up. Just like I always have a quart of oil with me as well. All 3 of our cars have coolant and oil in the trunk. My mechanics (VW/Audi specialists) only use G12/G12+ in the cars that they have come through. No universal stuff in the place. I've never not used G12. No reason to.

You can also buy the G12 and pre-mix it with water and keep it in your trunk that way. My car had a coolant leak recently and after my mechanic topped everything up, they did that for me so my G12 bottle is already a 50/50 mix for me in the back for top-ups. This is basic car maintenance. No reason to not do it right.

[Volksisme]

I too keep oil,tools,and coolant resonably priced Universal coolant.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Volksisme

The yellow prestone "Universal" coolant will also work as well. Just dont use the old green cheap stuff or you will have jellow for coolant.
To be honest you dont really need to mix the universal coolant with Distiled water.

I would be very hesitant to go this route, and you NEVER don't use distilled water. The chemicals in regular water can and most probably will, do damage to engine parts. Geeze... where do these people come from? Pink G12, I understand there is a G12+, or purple G13, PERIOD!

M.

[Smileybug]

G12+ is purple from what I recall. Not heard of G13 yet, but it could be out there.

G12 really isn't that expensive...its not like its $50/liter or anything. Its a basic fluid and its not needed all that often. Not sure why you'd cut corners on this.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

G12+ is purple from what I recall. Not heard of G13 yet, but it could be out there.

G13, taken from my Bentley Repair Manual with current updates. Don't ask me where, ! IDR! G12+ not mentioned, just read of it the other day on here.

[Smileybug]

Well I've seen G12+ and I know its purple. Not seeing any G13 on parts supplier sites. :shrug:

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

Well I've seen G12+ and I know its purple. Not seeing any G13 on parts supplier sites. :shrug:

I wasn't doubting you. And the G13, being in the Bentley, could be a European thing.

[Smileybug]

Not saying you were. Just trying to clear things up

(threadjack - I PMd you the other day MORAV, and haven't heard back /threadjack)

[2011mom]

Thanks for the help! I called the dealer, and they said to put in tap water just to the minimum line to bring it in. So I did, they put some G12 in, and tested it and said there's no leak. It's still under factory warranty until December, and then has 2 years of extended warranty, so I hope that will cover it! While it was there they fixed a broken headlight and some separating upholstery, so it's all set!