Volkswagen has used different types and colors of coolant over the years in their vehicles. The most common VW coolants are G11, G12, and more recently G13. So what color is G13 coolant and does Volkswagen use pink coolant? Let’s take a closer look.
VW Coolant Types
First, it helps to understand the different types of coolant that VW has used:
| Coolant Type | Description |
|---|---|
| G11 | An ethylene glycol based coolant used by VW up until the early 2000s. It is typically blue or purple in color. |
| G12 | A newer formula introduced in the early 2000s. It is also ethylene glycol based but offers improved corrosion protection. G12 is usually pink or red. |
| G13 | VW’s latest coolant spec introduced around 2015. It still uses ethylene glycol but has organic acid technology. G13 is usually violet or purple. |
So G11 is blue, G12 is red/pink, and G13 is purple. But let’s look closer at G13…
What is VW G13 Coolant?
G13 is Volkswagen’s latest coolant specification in use from around 2015 to the present. Some key things to know about G13 coolant:
- It uses ethylene glycol like older coolants, but with organic acid inhibitor technology.
- Provides improved corrosion protection, especially for aluminum components.
- Formulated to last up to 5 years or 50,000 miles before needing replacement.
- Compatible to mix with G12 coolant, but not recommended to mix with G11.
- Meets VW TL-774-L and Audi TL-774-J standards.
What Color is G13 Coolant?
The standard color for Volkswagen G13 coolant is violet or dark purple. It may also be described as a grape or eggplant color.
So while the previous generation G12 coolant was pink or red, the newest G13 formula is a distinct purple color. This helps technicians quickly identify what type of coolant a Volkswagen or Audi model has by sight.
Does Volkswagen Use Pink Coolant?
Volkswagen did use pink coolant in many models from the early 2000s up until around 2015. This red or pink fluid was their G12 specification coolant at the time.
However, once the newer G13 formula was introduced, VW switched to using purple coolant instead. So current Volkswagen and Audi models since 2015 use the violet-colored G13 coolant and not a pink fluid.
The only exception could be older models produced before the switch to G13. For example, a 2010 VW still using original factory coolant fill would likely have pink G12 coolant. But any VW after 2015 would have the new purple G13 formula instead.
Mixing VW Coolant Types
It’s important not to mix incompatible coolant types in VW models. Here are some guidelines:
- G11 (blue) should not be mixed with G12 (pink) or G13 (purple)
- G12 (pink) can be mixed with G13 (purple) in most models
- Always check owners manual if unsure about mixing
- When servicing, best practice is to flush system and refill with straight new coolant
The safest bet is to flush the coolant system and replace with the exact type of new coolant specified by Volkswagen. Mixing old G11 fluid with newer types can cause damage and mixing degraded coolant of any type will reduce effectiveness.
Tips for Checking VW Coolant
Here are some tips for checking or changing the coolant in your Volkswagen:
- Locate coolant reservoir tank under hood and check current fluid color
- Pink color indicates G12 coolant, purple is G13
- Check coolant pH tester strips to monitor acidity
- When servicing, drain system from radiator and reservoir to fully flush old coolant
- Refill using pre-mixed coolant to VW specs – avoid aftermarket universal coolants
- Always properly dispose of old coolant
Changed regularly at proper intervals, the right VW coolant will help prevent overheating and corrosion damage.
Conclusion
Volkswagen G13 coolant is formulated as a dark violet or grape color ever since it replaced the pink G12 specification in 2015 models. While VW did use pink coolant in the past, all current VW and Audi models are now filled with purple G13 from the factory. Understanding the different types of VW coolant and following proper service procedures is important to provide cooling system protection and prevent premature failures.