Keep VW Repair Cost Way Down-III

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 want to read Volkswagen maintenance http://www.volkspares.co.uk/Shop/Volkswagen_type_1_car_parts_maintenance.html

You may also want to check out The Classic Air Cooled history

http://www.volkspares.co.uk/Shop/classic_air_cooled_new.html

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