The Swedes are either hated or loved for their odd choices and unique style. But when it comes to engine coolant, Volvo has remained consistent. Their only coolant formula is that of a G48-type. G48 Coolant Electrolysis is a fun by-product of not changing coolant on time, and it has some very negative impacts on all things aluminum. As you can see in the picture below, electrical current traveling through the coolant seeking a path of least resistance, found its way out by creating new passages. Not a good thing long-term for your engine and all-aluminum parts in that system.

Some cars contain a viscous coupling to help overcome this. A fluid clutch operated by a temperature-sensitive valve that decouples the fan until the coolant temperature reaches a predetermined level. A temperature sensor also turns on and off the electric fan in other autos. In other words, the radiator fan is not working in this case. The radiator is sealed off by a car thermostat, which is often installed above the pump. This is to allow the engine to warm up rapidly. A chamber containing wax controls a valve on the thermostat. The original G12EVO Ready Mix coolant additive is specially designed for the engines of the VW Group’s brands. When replacing the coolant, pay particular attention to the vehicle’s technical specifications. The owner’s manual for your vehicle should have helpful details. Completely draining the old coolant is necessary before adding the new coolant (and figuring out how to put antifreeze in your car). Volkswagen cars built after 2008 can utilize G13 coolant, which is appropriate wherever G11 or G12 are used. G13 coolant is a hybrid that contains the ideal balance of silicate and organic ingredients. The useful life of this coolant is 5 years.

BMW/MINI Coolant Specifications

A car’s engine needs coolant or antifreeze to stay cool. Coolants are divided into multiple categories, each with a unique set of additives and qualities. All of the antifreeze you see in stores are made of ethylene glycol and water. But that’s about where the similarities end. As critical as those different formulas are, they aren't regularly referred to by them. Instead, the largely accepted naming scheme comes from BASF. As one of the largest chemical producers in the world, BASF's Glysantin line of engine coolants is largely used as a general differentiator between coolant types. Their naming scheme is the originator of the G05, G40, and G48 designation, among others. Below, you'll find those Glysantin product names attached to each respective manufacturer's coolant specifications for ease of understanding. Engine Coolant Types Keep reading to find out how coolants differ from one another, in addition to color and price. We’ll further explain whether it’s feasible to combine different coolants and also help you choose the best antifreeze for your vehicle. The engine will be more susceptible to overheating due to this type of corrosive and inadequate coolant. This will shorten the engine’s lifespan. G13 coolant is pink in color, while G40 coolant is yellow. The color of the coolant does not affect its performance but can help identify the type of coolant used in the engine. Freeze Point

For a car to continue functioning properly, regular maintenance is essential. If you wish to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule, knowing what kind of coolant to use is crucial. Understanding how VW G12 coolant differs from other types is crucial for this reason. One of the key features of G40 coolant is that it is free of silicates. Silicates are chemicals that are commonly found in other types of engine coolant, but can potentially cause corrosion or other issues in certain types of engines. The G12++ coolant debuted in 2008. This coolant also contains a minor amount of mineral additives because organic and inorganic chemicals were combined. With this combination, it was possible to execute a preventive operation as well as reduce corrosion when it already existed, which was G12’s fundamental flaw.Following this maintenance schedule will ensure the prolonged life of your cooling system. Below is a radiator with clogged ports due to the build-up of silicate. This can lead to an overheating engine, so consider the perceived cost-benefit you get from skipping coolant flushes versus the cost of a new engine. Therefore, it is important to use the recommended coolant for your specific vehicle and to never mix different types of coolant. G13 coolant is recommended by Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche, while G40 coolant is recommended by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The boiling point of G13 coolant is 175°C (347°F), while that of G40 coolant is 170°C (338°F). The boiling point indicates the temperature at which the coolant boils, which can cause the engine to overheat if the boiling point is too low. Manufacturer Recommendation Volkswagen/Audi Group is a bit of an outlier compared to other manufacturers in that they've consistently updated their cooling systems, engine materials, and engine coolants over the last three decades. That's resulted in five different potential coolants for your car available in three different colors and a few confusing names. Struggle no more when choosing your next coolant, as this section should be all you need. G11 Coolant