I just bought my golf (mk3) a few weeks ago now and I noticed it's a smidge low on coolant, but of course my manual only tells me to take it to the dealership for "volkswagen" coolant, but I was just wondering what you guys use.

This is the first car that I don't want to trash so I kind of would like to do things right.

Thanks!

 

Super!

I looked all last night and it looks as if I should be buying Pentosin G12. Is this the best of the best? I read this is what they come with from the factory, is that so?

 

Use only the specified VW coolant; G-12 if that's what your car takes. (That's what my '98 Cabrio Mk III takes.) It should say in your owners manual or on a sticker somewhere in the engine compartment, probably near the coolant expansion tank. It's not cheap: my local dealer gets $28/gal. Smile and pay the few extra dollars now, rather than hundreds in repairs later.

Remember to mix 50/50 with distilled water only; not tap water. Also remember to fill the tank to halfway between the min and max marks when cold; it should expand to the max mark when hot.

Finally, keep your eye on the black plastic flange at the rear of the engine (the driver's side)--it's the part with a couple of hoses and a couple of electrical connections (sensors). It's a common wear item--develops cracks or leaks where it connects to the engine, and this can be a source of coolant leaks. If it's leaking, you'll see reddish (wet) or whitish (dry) crud around it and dripping down onto the transmission. It's a $7 or $8 part (more at the dealer), and you can do the repair yourself.

 

Thanks!

I ordered the stuff a bit ago and it should be here probably today.

I knew about the distilled water and all that, but thanks for the extra info! This girl can always use an extra hand with things like that.