Alternative to G12 Coolant????

[Transporter]

Just be careful when using it. The Penrite says "complete flush required" , so based on this, I would stick with the genuine coolant. In which case I can only drain, flush it once if needed and fill up with the original again.

[Diesel_vert]

Good news - Diesel_vert can be impressed again, now

Haha, I am.

Just be careful when using it. The Penrite says "complete flush required" , so based on this, I would stick with the genuine coolant. In which case I can only drain, flush it once if needed and fill up with the original again.

I think Penrite recommend flushing the cooling system simply as a statement of best practice - and a good idea a that - even if the vehicle manufacturer doesn't specify a change interval.

I don't think it's a deliberate or strictly required instruction (though if one goes to the trouble of draining the coolant, surely it would be logical to flush the system while you're at it), nor is it a hidden inference that their product might not be incompatible with genuine coolant (which I don't think it is).

So I would use their product with full confidence - even for top ups.

However, a pressurised cooling system that needs topping up would indicate something is amiss, and would warrant further investigation - but that's for another day.

[Transporter]

I would never mix 2 different brands of coolant, but hey it's your car .

Sent from my GT-I9505 now Free

[Umai Naa!!]

Just be careful when using it. The Penrite says "complete flush required" , so based on this, I would stick with the genuine coolant. In which case I can only drain, flush it once if needed and fill up with the original again.

Yeah, absolutely.

Although coincidently, I've had no choice as previous workshops had foolishly put green stuff in. One even had a mixture of both...

[Diesel_vert]

I would never mix 2 different brands of coolant, but hey it's your car

Certainly, that's a good rule of thumb and I understand where you're coming from - particularly if compatibility is not a known quantity.

However, in this case, Penrite has taken the trouble of obtaining certification and approval from VW (I doubt there is much leeway or flexibility in the way of chemical composition and additives), making it highly likely that their product will be compatible with the genuine coolant.

As is the case with engine oils, VW doesn't care what brand you use - just that whatever product you use conforms with their standards and specifications.

To that end, a manufacturer going through VW's certification and approval process makes it easier for the consumer to choose appropriate products with confidence.

[kaanage]

I totally agree - it is no more a hazard than topping up your oil with another VW approved brand than the one the car was filled with at the last change.

[Transporter]

I totally agree - it is no more a hazard than topping up your oil with another VW approved brand than the one the car was filled with at the last change.

The automotive industry in Australia in mid and late 90' was saying that we didn't need antifreeze/antiboil coolants in most parts of Australia. A couple years later they've completely turned it around.

Wait a while, and they may change that compatibility statement. I saw Penrite changing their recommendations few times.

....and over the last 20 years or so, I have replaced enough corroded cylinder heads on various brand engines and I've heard similar stories about the coolants compatibility, that I have good reasons and my own experience with it, to not trust such recommendations. Very similar to lifetime fill in the transmissions, the automotive engineers quite often screw up.

The only reason why until now we don't see the corroded engines as often or not at all in VAG cars, is that there was only one coolant for them and most of the owners were using genuine coolant only.

The engine oil is the only fluid in the drivetrain that can be mixed with other brands. The transmission oils and coolants shouldn't be mixed, that's a good workshop practice.

[Diesel_vert]

I too like to avoid mixing fluids or lubricants - even engine oil - if only for reasons of consistency and simplicity.

However, the attainment of VW approval (and not just a mere 'meets & exceeds' statement) by Penrite for their pink coolant is evidence enough for me that compatibility should not be an issue.

Having said all that, I normally flush the system after draining the coolant - even if I intend to use genuine coolant - so I guess it's a moot point for me anyway.