Can i buy antifreeze for vw at a auto parts store besides the car dealer?

The so-called "universal" or "all" anti-freeze/summer coolant is not a good thing to mix with the VW/Audi coolant. Late model VW's use G12++ coolant, which supercedes the previous G12 coolant.

G12++ can be mixed with G12, I'm not 100% certain if it can mix with the old VW "blue" for older cars.



You can purchase the G12++ at some imported parts (spares) store that specialize in European or esp. German imports. Some websites sell imported coolant that is formulated to meet either G12 or G12++ specs.



If your car requires G12, don't mix it with something else other than G12 or G12++. You could an expensive repair as history has shown that other coolants don't mix. On some bogs, people claim that usage of the .wrong coolant can cause the mixture to jell, I've never seen that, but I suppose its possible.



What I can confirm is that overheating has happened when the G12/G12++ is mixed with the wrong stuff. So, do your self a favour and buy the right stuff either from a dealership, parts specialist, or on the web at sites like: www.blauparts.com or www.germanautoparts.com.



By the way, you do know that the power steering and transmission fluids for most late model VW is also special and not easily found, don't you? I've dealt with more failures to steering racks because people added the wrong fluid time and time again. Always carry extra power steering fluid with you along with the coolant and trans fluid in case you need a top off. This is especially important if you use a quick lube place; more wrong fluids have been added by quick lube places because they don't know that cars use special fluids. Just a word to the wise. You want avoid a $1000 steering rack replacement!



Hope this helps, a car nut.Can i buy antifreeze for vw at a auto parts store besides the car dealer?
Yes, you can. In fact, avoid buying things from the dealership because they usually charge too much. A good brand of antifreeze is Zerex. I will post some links below so that you know what type to use. If your car has never had the coolant flushed, you should flush the radiator as well.
"a car nut" is dead on.



If you're doing a full flush and will be filling it ONLY with some Prestone "All vehicle" stuff your car would probably be fine, but mixing the factory stuff and junk aftermarket stuff can cause some real nightmares.Can i buy antifreeze for vw at a auto parts store besides the car dealer?
Get the anti-freeze that said 'For ALL vehicles'. Old anti-freeze formula are not recommended for modern VW. They cost about the same so get the 'ALL'.
ROFL....my first thought was that VWs do not use anti-freeze as their engines are air cooled.



Kind of shows you how old I am......LOL...



Yes, you can buy it at an auto parts store.....Can i buy antifreeze for vw at a auto parts store besides the car dealer?
Yes, you can get it there.
if your vw has a radiator ; you certainly can.