4.1 Coolant and Cooling System HosesTo guard against cooling system trouble, the coolant level and the hoses should be periodically inspected, as described in LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE. Hoses deteriorate with time, and periodic inspection will help prevent unexpected failure. When adding or replacing coolant, Volkswagen recommends the use of phosphate-free anti-freeze, formulated to prohibit the formation of harmful, clogging deposits in the cooling system.
Always mix anti-freeze with clean water. Distilled water is best because of its reduced mineral content. Oil in the coolant will encourage the formation of sludge which can clog the system and damage rubber parts. Oil should not be added as a lubricant. If using leak sealer as a precaution against leaks, the system should never contain more than one can. The additives that plug leaks can also plug radiators and heater cores. Draining the coolant is a first step in almost all cooling system repairs. The coolant can be reused provided it is drained into a clean pan. New coolant is recommended every 2 years. Replacing hoses, or draining and filling the coolant, requires only a medium-sized flat bladed screwdriver, a pliers, and a 3-gallon drain pan. |
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