How to Check and add Coolant on your Volkswagen
Has the coolant warning light come on in the dashboard of your Volkswagen (VW)? Check your coolant reservoir! Not sure how? Keep reading!
While you may need to check and add coolant every now and then, frequent coolant additions should not be necessary since the cooling system is closed. If you have to top off your coolant reservoir regularly, there may be a leak in the system. If you suspect there is a leak, take your car to a trusted mechanic.
Procedure
- Park your Volkswagen on level ground. Turn off the ignition and set the parking brake.
NOTE: If your engine has been running, wait until it has cooled before you begin working. The contents will be very hot. - Pull the hood release under the dashboard. Go to the front of the vehicle, release the hood latch, and lift the hood. Secure the hood with the hood rod or make sure it will stay up on its own before you attempt any work on your car.
- Locate the engine coolant reservoir on the left side of your engine bay. It will have either a blue or black cap. If you are having a hard time finding it, look it up in your car’s user manual.
- Check the engine coolant level by looking at the side of the reservoir. Most Volkswagens have a translucent or semi-translucent coolant reservoir, so you should be able to check the current engine coolant level without removing the cap by simply looking at the side of the reservoir.
- If the coolant level is below the MIN level mark, turn the cap counterclockwise and remove it.
WARNING: Do not open your coolant reservoir if it is hot or warm. Contents are under pressure, so opening the reservoir when hot will result in chemical burns. - Add engine coolant. Use the recommended OEM Volkswagen coolant, which is Volkswagen G12 or G13 coolant for most models. The antifreeze/coolant is typically mixed 50/50. Add the necessary coolant to bring the level to or near the maximum.
- Reinstall the lid. Start the vehicle and ensure the engine coolant light has turned off.
If the engine coolant light remains on or the engine is overheating, do not continue to drive. Take your VW to a trusted mechanic, and have them check your coolant reservoir.
🔧 Stop paying the dealer for every warning light
Get dealer level diagnostics at home with the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner.
- ✔ Works with all makes and models, including most luxury brands
- ✔ Topology map view shows all vehicle modules on one screen for faster diagnostics
- ✔ Bi directional controls to test fans, pumps, actuators and more so you do not have to guess
- ✔ Special resets and calibrations such as ABS bleed, EPB service, battery registration and more
- ✔ Free lifetime updates with no recurring fees
What coolant to use on a Volkswagen?
The OEM Volkswagen coolant is typically G12 or G13, mixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water. While you don’t have to use Volkswagen coolant, you are required to use a coolant that meets the specifications, mixed 50/50 with antifreeze and distilled water.
Notes
- Warning! The engine may be hot and can potentially cause burns. Allow the engine to cool down before you check or add engine coolant to a VW.
- These instructions will help you check the engine coolant level on a VW Golf, Jetta, Bora, Beetle, Routan, Tiguan, Bug, or Passat.
We hope you find the Volkswagen Check Level or Add Engine Coolant guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Volkswagen.
