Low Coolant Level

[kevvie]

I got a flashing red light and loud beeps when I got in my car to go home tonight...turns out the coolant level is about an inch below the minimum mark.

Just wondering if anyone has experience about how much coolant loss is normal, if any...last service was 6 months ago...not sure if I should start getting worried.

[philthy]

I wouldn't worry too much. I've had my polo for 4 years now and every now and then it spits out a bit of coolant and the light comes on. Not a regular thing though. Just go get some coolant from VW, top it up and see how it goes.

[break]

Have you checked your radiator for leaks? A common problem with our cars is a leaky radiator from where the thermostat sits.

[seangti]

in the 18months I've had mine, it's happened once, was only a whisker below the low mark so filled it up and all good. Just keep an eye on it over the next couple of months (once a month) to see if its dropping.

[PeterHBne]

I've had the alarm once in 3 years and put half a cup of water in last week just because it looked a little low.

[Jmac]

Have you checked your radiator for leaks? A common problem with our cars is a leaky radiator from where the thermostat sits.

Sorry but nowhere near the theromostat, the rads are prone to crack on the header tank and can alos crack around the the thermo switch on the radiator. Coolant will always drop at some stage due to evap but a regular light is wortha look and G12 Plus has a great way of showing residue anywhere its leaking
Jmac

[kevvie]

Thanks guys. For a cup full, is water or ok or should I really get coolant?

[Transporter]

Make sure it is distilled or demineralised water. Just keep the record how much water you put in. You don't want to dilute coolant too much.

[wrigley]

I had the same problem the other week. It had been going up and down but nothing to really worry about. I then started the car the other week, got the light and the beep, had a look under the bonnet and it was well below the min mark. Topped up with some water and all has been fine since.

Mine's not dripping either, well it hasn't left any marks in the garage.

[hazrd]

Im having this problem.. coolant light twice in a month.. It only comes on during a cold start (sitting out in the work carpark all day). If i turn the car off, then back on, the light goes away?

I cant find any leaks anywhere, but i noticed this today when cold:



could the light come on when theres too much in there???