Coolant level

[richdave]

The other day I filled the washer container and noticed that the coolant was at the low mark on the bottle. This is with the engine hot and running...

Should I be concerned?

BTW I have 12K on the clock att

[Cro]

When mine got down to the min level my coolant light warning light came on. I drove a further 400kms that day without issue, and got it topped up at VW the next day.

[richdave]

I have not got a warning light yet so I'll just keep an eye on it to be safe for now... Not since my 77 Datsun 240K have I had a car that looses coolant

[vanDub]

The other day I filled the washer container and noticed that the coolant was at the low mark on the bottle. This is with the engine hot and running...

Should I be concerned?

A hot engine should see the coolant level increase to be slightly above the top end of the marked area of the the coolant expansion tank and get sucked back into the system when cold. The level should be read when cold and only topped up if below the "min' level with new G 12 coolant additive diluted with water (ratio of dilution is dependant on operating temperature range). See booklet 3.3 Tips and Maintenance page 44/45. Note that the expansion tank is pressurised so should not be opened / cap unsrewed when the engine is hot or even warm, see warning page 45.

A litre bottle of genuine VW G 12 coolant cost me $13.26, worthwhile insurance to have available (along with my spare genuine 507.00 spec oil) for such situations.

Should you be concerned? Only if a lot of coolant has been lost. Your minimal loss and even a warning light is no big deal so long as the engine temps remain normal. Top it up (even plain water is approved if no additive available) or keep an eye on further loss and you could even get through to the 15K service.

[richdave]

I asked the dealer to look at the coolant level at the 15K service.

The dealer tells me the cooling system had an "air lock" from factory and it has been resolved...