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Author Topic: General looking after the gti  (Read 2849 times)

Offline jh4610

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General looking after the gti
« on: August 21, 2011, 07:37:14 am »
I'm still new to the whole looking after of cars thing.

So I was just wondering what sort of checks and servicing everyone does to keep their cars working well?

Cheers J

Offline bacillus

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2011, 11:45:03 am »
Assuming you get your car serviced on time then just the basics like checking oil and coolant levels plus looking at your tyre pressures forthnightly.
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Offline janus909GTI

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2011, 04:12:32 pm »
how do i check my coolant levels, i have a feeling my engine is working over time to cool down....ive not got manual, lost by previous owner....

Offline Tfsi_Mike

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2011, 04:46:58 pm »
how do i check my coolant levels, i have a feeling my engine is working over time to cool down....ive not got manual, lost by previous owner....

Check the coolant level in the header tank at the back left of your engine bay  :happy2:



Should have a 'steam' icon on it  :happy2:

Offline janus909GTI

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2011, 04:49:03 pm »
that big white ball??? what do i fill it up with???

how can i check if its empty or not?

Offline Tfsi_Mike

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2011, 04:53:44 pm »
Yes the 'white ball'  There is a "min & max" level mark.  Your coolant should be between the marks.

Coolant is available from motor factors, Halfords, Main Dealerships as said below pink VW sepc coolant. etc etc
« Last Edit: August 23, 2011, 07:01:20 am by Tfsi_Mike »

Offline janus909GTI

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2011, 05:10:52 pm »
good...not water than as thats what i was about to fill it up with, phew!

Offline Tfsi_Mike

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #7 on: August 21, 2011, 05:13:48 pm »
good...not water than as thats what i was about to fill it up with, phew!

Water would serve as an emergency temporary measure if caught short and below well below 'Min'

Offline jh4610

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #8 on: August 21, 2011, 07:10:53 pm »
Assuming you get your car serviced on time then just the basics like checking oil and coolant levels plus looking at your tyre pressures forthnightly.

Yeah thats what I was thinking cheers for the help. :happy2:

Offline apples12

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #9 on: August 23, 2011, 04:40:21 am »
Please please try to stick to vw's own pink g12++ coolant, its about 12 quid for a litre from the dealers and dilutes to 4/5 times that if i remember right.
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Offline Andy01

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #10 on: August 23, 2011, 11:13:27 pm »
Worth keeping the bonnet latch well greased, they have been known to seize up !  :happy2:

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Offline Jungle_Faced_Jake

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #11 on: August 24, 2011, 12:29:25 am »
Worth keeping the bonnet latch well greased, they have been known to seize up !  :happy2:

Mine gone a bit stiff (the latch that is!!!!) so how do you apply grease to it?

Offline Andy01

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2011, 06:22:58 pm »
ha , just get a load of it on your hand and rub it into the latch on the bonnet then move the latch plenty of times and it should just free up  :happy2:

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Offline Frenzy

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Re: General looking after the gti
« Reply #13 on: August 26, 2011, 06:24:56 pm »
Please please try to stick to vw's own pink g12++ coolant, its about 12 quid for a litre from the dealers and dilutes to 4/5 times that if i remember right.

I take it i'd be okay buying this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Audi-VW-G12-Plus-Coolant-1-5Ltr-G012A8GM1-/140479553899?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item20b53be16b

TIA  :happy2: