Coolant Fluid Exchange

The Engine Cooling Process

The VW engine cooling system has several parts including the water pump, hoses, radiator, fan, and coolant fluid responsible for collecting and dispersing excess engine heat. The water pump activates when the engine starts and constantly circulates coolant fluid through the engine's passages absorbing heat to keep it running at the factory-specified temperature. Coolant fluid has several limitations, such as thermal breakdown, contamination, and worn parts causing leaks. If any of these problems occur, the coolant fluid will require an exchange to restore reliable engine cooling.

What are the Symptoms of Defective Coolant Fluid?

If the coolant breaks down, gets contaminated, or leaks out of the cooling system, it is likely that symptoms will emerge signaling that the defective coolant fluid needs an exchange. Although we recommend coolant fluid exchange at the specified maintenance interval found in the VW owner's manual, we also recommend getting exchange service in response to defective coolant fluid regardless of the maintenance interval and mileage. Here are the common symptoms of defective coolant:

• Dashboard warning light
• Fluid is discolored or contaminated
• Engine overheating
• Black exhaust smoke exiting the tailpipe
• Smelling the sweet coolant fluid odor inside the cabin
• Leaking coolant - usually toward the front of the engine
• Fluid is a different color, milky, or has a foul odor