Service - Coolant

[KGT]

All,

Have Passat 118 TSI 7 DSG and went to have the 4^thyear service and the car has done 25,000 Km.
Previous services the dealer has added in services thatended costing and arm and a leg. Thistime I said no extra items. They didthis and put some recommendations on the report as follows:
Coolant fail Concentration test and requires replacement -$230.00
Do I need to have a system flush and replacement or can theyjust top it up?
Uses G 12 plus-plus coolant additive, where do get this andis there an alternative?

Live in Strathmore/Essendon has any one used Strathmore Auto Service Centre?

Your thoughts

Thanks KGT

[Snail Style]

Has it ever had coolant loss or had the cooling system repaired before? If no, they are just fishing for money. If your really concerned, get a proper report on what the concentration was measured to be, they likely won't be able to answer.

[Darkhorse Developments]

As above...thats a total rip off unless you have incorrect or contaminated coolant system then no need to flush...if anything just empty to coolant top tank and top up with coolant. Job done.

[Transporter]

It's a know fact to me, that many vag 4 cylinder especially TSI engines need a frequent top up. So, it's quite possible that the coolant in the OP's car could be quite diluted. I have seen some even topped up with a green coolant.

If you're sure that the coolant in your car is not contaminated, then drain and refill could be sufficient. Though, I always flush the cooling system, since I don't like leaving up to 1/3 of the old coolant in the system.

[Johnny]

In Europe we change the coolant every three years. If you plan on doing the coolant change yourself, do yourself a favour and by yourself a refractometer to measure the exact level of concentration.These refractometers can be bought for as little as AU$25. Do not fall into the trap that more is better, because if you add too much G12 you run the risk of an overheating engine. I set my coolant concentration at -25°C. Naturally you will not need as much, I would set the concentration at about -15°C. As a final note, we also use destilled water to mix with the concetrate, this ensures that there are no minerals in the water.

[Hillbilly]

Mine has done similar K's and has had 4th year service and coolant was never mentioned