MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Tarmac_Terrorist on November 03, 2014, 09:44:25 pm

Title: When to change coolant / antifreeze?
Post by: Tarmac_Terrorist on November 03, 2014, 09:44:25 pm
Evening all. :)

I don't seem to be able to see in the service schedule where VW replace the coolant. Just seems to be to check and top up as necessary. I thought this stuff was usually replaced every 4-5 years?

At the first cam belt change I had a new water pump fitted but the 2nd change (just a few hundred miles later) I just had the belt changed. What is the life span of these modern coolant fluids?
Title: Re: When to change coolant / antifreeze?
Post by: th3_f15t on November 03, 2014, 10:11:20 pm
I think VW list it as never being replaced, but I'd go for every 5 years personally.
Title: Re: When to change coolant / antifreeze?
Post by: Tarmac_Terrorist on November 03, 2014, 10:21:00 pm
Hmmm, does it not lose it's antifreeze properties then? I know the older blue stuff only had a life span of 2-3 years before it became ineffective.
Title: Re: When to change coolant / antifreeze?
Post by: bacillus on November 03, 2014, 10:55:42 pm
afaik they should change the antifreeze when replacing the water pump.
Title: Re: When to change coolant / antifreeze?
Post by: vRSAlex on November 03, 2014, 11:06:43 pm
afaik they should change the antifreeze when replacing the water pump.

About 3 litres gets replaced when doing a water pump. There is about 8 litres total, but you can't get it all out for a full change.

Title: Re: When to change coolant / antifreeze?
Post by: OSB on November 04, 2014, 08:08:19 am
Hmmm, does it not lose it's antifreeze properties then? I know the older blue stuff only had a life span of 2-3 years before it became ineffective.

Anti freeze does not loose it 'anti freeze' qualities, unless it has been diluted by topping up with water.
The older stuff would loose its corrosion properties and needed changing on a regular basis. The chemicals used for anti corrosion and the materials used in the engine and other components have negated that.
VW quality antifreeze is 'good for life' whatever that means.
It wouldn't hurt to change, but I doubt it's needed - with a certain amount of replenishment every time a cam belt / thermostat etc is changed!
Title: Re: When to change coolant / antifreeze?
Post by: Tarmac_Terrorist on November 04, 2014, 09:46:58 pm
Thanks fellas  :happy2:
Title: Re: When to change coolant / antifreeze?
Post by: Gene Hunt on November 11, 2014, 01:37:10 pm
Hmmm, does it not lose it's antifreeze properties then? I know the older blue stuff only had a life span of 2-3 years before it became ineffective.

Anti freeze does not loose it 'anti freeze' qualities, unless it has been diluted by topping up with water.
The older stuff would loose its corrosion properties and needed changing on a regular basis. The chemicals used for anti corrosion and the materials used in the engine and other components have negated that.
VW quality antifreeze is 'good for life' whatever that means.
It wouldn't hurt to change, but I doubt it's needed - with a certain amount of replenishment every time a cam belt / thermostat etc is changed!
......spot on.