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Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: BingVW on 09 August 2026, 10:24
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Hi all,
Last night had the coolant warning red light come on just outside the house, never smelled any coolant or seen any leaks, checked the level and yes it looks low (on a hot car). Can I top it up with something like this for now or does it have to go to VW as mrs needs the car for work.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-and-fluids/antifreeze/halfords-advanced-g65-antifreeze-and-coolant-concentrate-2l-448195.html?isVrnSearch=true
Any recommendations
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I would only top up with the correct coolant. There's a chance that the coolant has settled (air lock cleared) rather than there being a leak so it may not need changing which it might if you've put the wrong coolant in. Having said that, given you say a mk8 as opposed to an 8.5, if it's a few years old it may well be a leak so might be best to top up correctly and book it in to get it checked.
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I’d not use a generic coolant as it runs the risk of sludge forming in the cooling system that could cause blockages and corrosion of the aluminium parts of the cooling system. It’s also unlikely to be to VW’s spec for coolant.
I’d use G12 Evo ready mixed (pre-diluted) coolant which is the current factory fill coolant used by VW. It’s backwards compatible with the older G12+, G12++ and G13 coolants and meets VW’s spec for coolants, so if your current coolant is one of these or G12 Evo, you’ll be OK to top up with G12 Evo. Your car’s cooling system expansion tank should have the coolant type printed on it that’s been used by VW in your car and / or it should be stated in the owner’s manual).
https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/product/vw-shop/volkswagen-g12-evo-coolant-1l-5l/
Edit; once topped up, keep an eye on the coolant level (I check mine as part of my regular checks that I usually do when I clean my car - engine oil, coolant, washer fluid and tyre pressures). If the level does drop again, then as @Watts has suggested, get it checked for possible cooling system leaks or potential water pump / thermostat housing leaks (water pump / thermostat housing leaks were a weak point on previous generation Golfs with the 2.0 EA888 engine; I don’t know if this is still the case with the mk8 / mk8.5).
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Thanks guys I will have to try and grab some from VW dealer in the morning.
I don't suppose I can use this
COMMA®
Xstream
G40
Antifreeze & Coolant
CONCENTRATE
Protection down to -52°C*
Glysantin® G40® by BASF is approved by:
Audi/Bentley/Bugatt/Lamborghini/Seat/Skoda/W/Porsche vehicles (TL774-G),
Liebherr (MIN LH-01-COL3A), Cummins (CES 14603), Deutz (DQC CC-14), MAN Truck & Bus (MAN 324 Typ Si-OAT), Mercedes-Benz Cars (MB-Approval 325.6).
Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus (MB-Approval 325.5), MTU (MTL 5048),
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Thanks guys I will have to try and grab some from VW dealer in the morning.
I don't suppose I can use this
COMMA®
Xstream
G40
Antifreeze & Coolant
CONCENTRATE
Protection down to -52°C*
Glysantin® G40® by BASF is approved by:
Audi/Bentley/Bugatt/Lamborghini/Seat/Skoda/W/Porsche vehicles (TL774-G),
Liebherr (MIN LH-01-COL3A), Cummins (CES 14603), Deutz (DQC CC-14), MAN Truck & Bus (MAN 324 Typ Si-OAT), Mercedes-Benz Cars (MB-Approval 325.6).
Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus (MB-Approval 325.5), MTU (MTL 5048),
I don’t know if it’s OK to use. Your list states it’s approved by the VAG brands but I’d personally not use it; I’d wait until I got some G12 Evo.
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Thanks guys I will have to try and grab some from VW dealer in the morning.
I don't suppose I can use this
COMMA®
Xstream
G40
Antifreeze & Coolant
CONCENTRATE
Protection down to -52°C*
Glysantin® G40® by BASF is approved by:
Audi/Bentley/Bugatt/Lamborghini/Seat/Skoda/W/Porsche vehicles (TL774-G),
Liebherr (MIN LH-01-COL3A), Cummins (CES 14603), Deutz (DQC CC-14), MAN Truck & Bus (MAN 324 Typ Si-OAT), Mercedes-Benz Cars (MB-Approval 325.6).
Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus (MB-Approval 325.5), MTU (MTL 5048),
I don’t know if it’s OK to use. Your list states it’s approved by the VAG brands but I’d personally not use it; I’d wait until I got some G12 Evo.
This ^^ VW coolant only imo