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Coolant :
Radiator fluid, or coolant, is the most important part of your VW's cooling system, which protects your engine from overheating. Low coolant can lead to a breakdown and expensive repairs.
Here
are the steps to follow to add coolant to a newer-model car
(1970 and after):
1. Note that only much older models of cars (pre-1970s) require
you to add coolant directly to the radiator. Newer vehicles
feature a reservoir (expansion tank) that you can access anytime.
Beware: Some German and Swedish cars (and others) have a reservoir
that's under pressure (pressure cap on the tank vs. a flip-off
type plastic top) and these should not be opened when the
engine is hot. If you're driving an older model car, see the
steps below for older models.
2. Look for the plastic reservoir tank, which should at least
be holding some residue of coolant (normally green, although
there are also red versions available on the market). It's
often labeled, is near the radiator and has a hose leading
to the radiator. The hose to the radiator is the tip off that
you aren't pouring coolant into your windshield wiper reservoir.
3. Unscrew the cap and add coolant to the "Full"
line. Coolant is a 50-50 mixture of purified (not tap and
not distilled) water and antifreeze/coolant. Do not add straight
water if the reservoir is completely empty as this can cause
your car to overheat.
Make sure to check your owner's manual to see if your car
is required to use a coolant specifically formulated for VWs.
If your VW is overheating and the reservoir is under pressure,
don't try to remove the reservoir cap. You could be seriously
burned.
Here are the steps to follow to add coolant to an older model
car (pre-1970s):
1. Make sure the engine is cool before adding coolant directly
to the radiator. If the car has been running recently, wait
at least half an hour before unscrewing the radiator cap.
2. Find the radiator cap at the very front
of the engine near the hood latch.
3. Rotate and remove the cap using a rag.
When in doubt about whether it's safe to unscrew the cap,
use several rags and unscrew the lid slowly. If your car is
overheating, don't try to remove the radiator cap. You could
be seriously burned.
4. Look into the radiator. If the fluid doesn't reach the
radiator's top just below the opening for the cap, add coolant.
As with the newer-model cars, be sure to check your owner's
manual in case your car requires a coolant specifically formulated
for VWs.
Coolant is poisonous but that won't stop pets from drinking
it. It tastes sweet to them. Don't leave it lying around and
be sure to clean up any spills.
As with many of the other fluids in your VW, coolant does
not get "used up". If the reservoir or radiator
is low, chances are your car may have a leak that needs to
be checked out.
You
may also want to check out The Classic Air Cooled history:http://www.volkspares.co.uk/Shop/classic_air_cooled_new.html
Volkspares - specialists in Volkswagen spares, Air cooled
spares, Type 1 spares, Beetle spares,
Type 2 spares, Camper Spares, Volkswagen Service, Water cooled
spares.
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