Coolant Warning

[Colh]

Driving around yesterday and got a nice big red warning pop up about coolant levels being low.  Pulled up and restarted the car which cleared the warning - not had it back yet.  Checked coolant level and it's right on the minimum line (though the markings are terrible for reading).

Going to nip out and get a bottle to top it up, but given the car is now 5years old and I'm coming to the end of the extended warranty I'm just thinking about the potential expensive maintenance that might be starting to come.

Anyone with a 2020/2021 plate that's seen anything surprising come up yet?  I'm hoping the coolant one is just consumption and nothing more serious (its in for a service & MOT in 2 weeks)

[Dav3smith]

Mines a 22 and I've had to top of the coolant from time to time, nothing more. I'm on 20K miles.

The wear and tear is going to be more mileage related than age related however so you might want to mention what miles you've done.

[Colh]

Good point.  I'm on 43k at the moment.  Brakes were all done last year and its been serviced annually.

[Watts]

Nice low mileage car. If you want to keep it then get an all in plan, another couple of years peace of mind for not a lot.

Since it's under warranty, why not get it looked at?

[Dav3smith]

Exactly@Watts. As I just mentioned in another thread £960 for two years equates to £39.99 a month which includes two services two MOT's and two years extended warranty with roadside assistance. Excellent value.

[Colh]

I was wondering about that.  The blurb on the VW website says only up to 6 years old but if I can extend another 2 then I will.  If you put in your reg number it just says you've already got one instead of telling you options.

Going to ask for a check on coolant and water pump/housing when its in for its service.

[SRGTD]

Anyone with a 2020/2021 plate that's seen anything surprising come up yet?  I'm hoping the coolant one is just consumption and nothing more serious (its in for a service & MOT in 2 weeks)

I wouldn’t put a drop in coolant level down to consumption as cars don’t consume coolant.

New cars can leave the factory with air trapped in the cooling system that’s purged over time with a consequent drop in coolant level in the expansion tank. However, if that’s going to happen, it’ll normally be during the first few months of the car’s life (I had it happen in the first 3-4 of owning a previous brand new VW). A drop in coolant level some years down the line usually indicates a potential leak or - with VW - potential water pump / thermostat housing issues.

When the engine’s hot and the cooling system’s under pressure, can you smell coolant if you lift the bonnet? Are there any signs of coolant / dried up coolant deposits in the engine bay? Has the coolant level dropped suddenly or gradually over time?

I’d certainly keep an eye on the coolant level and if it drops again, that does suggest you may have a leak.

[Colh]

Anyone with a 2020/2021 plate that's seen anything surprising come up yet?  I'm hoping the coolant one is just consumption and nothing more serious (its in for a service & MOT in 2 weeks)

I wouldn’t put a drop in coolant level down to consumption as cars don’t consume coolant.

New cars can leave the factory with air trapped in the cooling system that’s purged over time with a consequent drop in coolant level in the expansion tank. However, if that’s going to happen, it’ll normally be during the first few months of the car’s life (I had it happen in the first 3-4 of owning a previous brand new VW). A drop in coolant level some years down the line usually indicates a potential leak or - with VW - potential water pump / thermostat housing issues.

When the engine’s hot and the cooling system’s under pressure, can you smell coolant if you lift the bonnet? Are there any signs of coolant / dried up coolant deposits in the engine bay? Has the coolant level dropped suddenly or gradually over time?

I’d certainly keep an eye on the coolant level and if it drops again, that does suggest you may have a leak.

Not smelled any coolant and no physical signs of a leak.  Last time this happened was with my old 2008 TSI and it needed a new radiator, but that was bone dry and there was no warning when it dipped below min.

[Watts]

I was wondering about that.  The blurb on the VW website says only up to 6 years old but if I can extend another 2 then I will.  If you put in your reg number it just says you've already got one instead of telling you options.

You can take the plan out up to 6 years old so potentially have cover to 8 years old. If you wait a bit they have deals on from time to time, I got my last deal at £31pm. But you would be out of cover for a while.

[Tony Jazz]

Mine hit the 5 year old point in Oct 25. I've had the extended warranty cover since it turned over 3 years in 2023. Managed to get another 2 years cover but VW wont extend it after that. Turns out approx. £31 per month which includes yearly service, MOT and Breakdown cover. Just coming  up to 40K soon.
As for the coolant, some good advice from the Forum members as always.
Admittedly I've always been somewhat OCD with oil and filter changes, gearbox oil change and I am about to get the coolant flushed and changed this week too. Quoted £200 at a VW dealer which isn't too bad.
If something does go wrong, at least VW cant say I've neglected anything!
Hope your issue gets resolved.