Using Coolant

[VWEAPN]

my Stop light lit up on my dash this morning...looks like i need a top up on coolant. on the coolant i bought says cannot mix with other brands. how important is this? ive got the red stuff in there now...never filled the car with coolant before. and im not in the mood to flush her out.
so question is can i use a different brand coolant

[thekraut]

Nope - use the VW item in my books.

Check your coolant inlet/outlet housings - a common thing on Passat 1.8t engines so I'd say yours would be of similar design. Plastic becomes brittle and can spring a leak. Thermostat may have done itself in also..

[h100vw]

You should get antifreeze from VW G12+ is the latest stuff. I believe it mixes with previous VW antifreezes without problems.

If you just need to put a bit in, use water until you find the leak.

Gavin