Last Updated: 14 October 2024
Originally Published: 22 December 2022
Here’s a quick guide on finding the right antifreeze for your VW, and how to make sure you’re using the right one.
Talking about antifreeze isn't the most exciting thing, but it's really important to make sure that you're using the right type in your water-cooled VW.
Which antifreeze is right for my VW?
When you are replacing your antifreeze it’s really important to use the correct type.
A good rule of thumb is to stick with the same type of anti-freeze that your engine already has, so top up with blue G12 if it's already for G12, or fill up with purple G13 if your engine already has G13.
Volkswagen themselves recommend using the ‘blue’ G12 formula for your VW T25 and for VW T4s built up to 1996, and the ‘purple’ G13 formula for VW T4s built after 1996, as well as VW T5s and the VW T6 and T6.1.
If in doubt, check your owners' manual or get in touch with us!
What is anti-freeze?
Antifreeze is a key component of your engine cooling system. It contains a balance of chemical component that lower the freezing temperature of the coolant fluid, prevent the water in your engine from freezing under normal weather conditions.
As well as this, it raises the boiling point of the coolant, meaning that it’s far less likely to boil over.
Video: Which is the right anti-freeze for your VW?
What does antifreeze actually do?
The antifreeze in your ‘dub is an integral part of your engine system. As the name implies, it prevents the coolant from freezing in the winter, and helps keep the engine at a manageable temperature during the summer.
It also contains chemicals that keeps corrosion out of the water system, and can help maintain your cylinder head studs, so it’s really important.
Is it antifreeze or coolant?
The bottles of purple or blue liquid that you can buy are antifreeze, which becomes coolant when you mix it with water in your engine. The terms are often interchangeable, though!
When should I change my anti-freeze?
We recommend that you change the antifreeze in your water-cooled VW every three to four years because, just like oil, the antifreeze starts to break down over time and becomes less effective.
Alternatively, changing the antifreeze every 50,000 miles when you replace the timing belt is a pretty convenient time to tackle it.
What if I use the wrong anti-freeze?
Only the original Volkswagen formulas should ever be used in your engine – either G12 or G13.
Antifreeze with the wrong chemical composition for your VW can cause more harm than good and lead to engine damage later on.
Poor quality or incorrect antifreeze can eat away at metal, plastic and rubber components in your engine and cause real problems.
For example, if you put the wrong antifreeze in your engine you can run the risk that the chemicals in that antifreeze could actually break down the adhesives that hold the plastic impellor in your water pump. If the impellor detaches, the water pump can’t circulate water through the radiator. This will cause your engine to overheat, which could result in catastrophic engine failure.
If in doubt about what antifreeze to use, take a look at the owner manual or contact the JK Team.
