Alternative to G12 Coolant????

[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.