Any VW car mechanics about?

[Notverygrownup]

My coolant is really low on my ancient VW, and I am due to get it serviced as soon as my garage open next week.

However, I have a funeral to attend before then. Any ideas whether I can still get G-12 coolant from anywhere or whether there is a substitute easily available. Halfords say they can't help.

G12 and G13 are still available from VW UK just now. If you get in touch with your local independent garage if they are open they could get you some.

In the meantime it won't do your car any harm to top up with water at this time of year to ensure the water level is not too low. Then get G12 into it when you do get it serviced.

Euro Car Parts also stock G12 if they are open near you?

If you don;t have a VW dealership near you that is open (not all will be), try Skoda, SEAT or Audi as the engines are all the same and use G12 or G13.

As the PP stated, water can be used as a top up in the short term.

The coolant used is specified to prevent corrosion in the system over a period of time, similar to a central heating system.

A few weeks with a diluted amount won't do any harm.

Brilliant, thank you. It has to be distilled water, doesn't it? Our VW dealership isn't open but will try Skoda, Seat or Audi locally.

Euro Car parts offering Triple QX Red as an alternative when I looked online . . .

Tap water is fine, distilled tends to be the reserve of battery top ups.

Triple QX red (G12 or purple (G13) will be perfectly fine.

If in doubt, get purple as it is backwards compatible.