STOP! Check Coolant!

[JoeGTI]

Would pouring water in not be a bad idea in these freezing temperatures? I guess the key is not to dilute the coolant too much, right?

[bacillus]

When just topping up I use neat G12.

[R32UK]

Would pouring water in not be a bad idea in these freezing temperatures? I guess the key is not to dilute the coolant too much, right?

Adding a bit of water is not really going to do too much harm. Just dont expect to get away with it more than once, like you said its these freezing temperatures that you do need the coolant in there to stop it freezing over

[BodyThief]

I had exactly the same problem this morning. I kept an eye on the temperature gauge which was normal on my journey to work. The warrning signal had gone when I drove back home.

[JoeGTI]

I had exactly the same problem this morning. I kept an eye on the temperature gauge which was normal on my journey to work. The warrning signal had gone when I drove back home.

Exact same for me. It was fine driving home this evening, temp gauge fine too. I reckon the absolute brass-monkey weather must have caused it. I'll investigate more closely at the weekend when its less cold / dark 

[JoeGTI]

Hi again guys,
I got exactly the same warning again this morning, so this time I topped it up with a tiny bit of water. Hopefully that'll be the end of it.

However, while my head was under the bonnet I said I'd check the oil. When I opened up the oil filler cap, I noticed a kind of a creamy residue / scum, yellowish in colour (a bit like fresh oil I suppose) on the inside of the filler cap and just around the top of the hole. I've read before that "milky" residue is very very bad! But this doesn't look "milky" to me if you know what I mean.

Actually - I just found this - http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=72294.0

That sounds just like what I saw - I'm hoping its nothing more serious   

[Merlinman]

'Drive it like you stole it' will stop that jism 

[test_richie]

It is like Komenda said in the thread you posted. If you only did a short trip last time you drove the car, that will be the most likely cause.

You only need to worry if you start to get alot of it as it could mean your head gasket is gone and letting water in.
Having said that, that could be why the coolant level has gone down.

I would as Merlinman has said above take it for a long drive like you stole it. and see what you have under the cap after that.

[JoeGTI]

Thanks guys. Yeah my drive to work is very short - less than 10 minutes! And it was extremely cold this morning too.

[Wh|t3R@bb|t]

I got the Coolant message yesterday and this morning, but I let my car warm up for a few minutes before I drive it and then I restart the car and it doesn't appear.  It only ever happens in really really cold weather....only seen it about 3 times in 7 months.  However, on checking the level it does seem to be fine?  So must be as someone said, be the sensor or the tank.