Which coolant for the VW Golf 5 (V)?

The Golf 5 (Golf V) was launched in October 2003 as the direct successor to the Golf 4 (Golf IV). During this time, VW equipped the fifth generation Golf with 1.4 – 3.2 liter engines before the Golf VI (Golf 6) rolled off the assembly lines in October 2008.

As with any other vehicle, the decisive factor for the coolant is not whether it is a gasoline or diesel engine, but rather which coolant approval is specified directly by the manufacturer.

In the tables below, you will find the different Golf 5 models and all the relevant information about which coolant is recommended by the manufacturer for the Golf 5 and the total amount needed for a complete coolant change. On average, a Golf requires about 5.60 – 8.00 liters of coolant. VW recommended at the time of manufacture, the until then quite current VW G12+ or VW G12++ coolant.

Difference between G12+ and G12++

Overall, VW and also other manufacturers are working on a continuous development of coolants for the car. Meanwhile, VW developed a total of these following standards:

• G11
• G12
• G12+
• G12++
• G13
• G12evo

The G12+ corresponds more precisely to the approval VW TL-774 F. The G12++ as the further development of the G12+, carries the approval VW TL-774 G. Despite their identical red-violet color, the two coolants differ. Compared to its predecessor, the G11, the G12+ is free of silicates and based on organic acid technology (OAT). The G12++ coolant, in turn, has been provided with improved corrosion protection and thermal conductivity.

More information about the G12 coolant can be found in our article: “What is a G12 coolant“.

Buy coolant for Golf 5

The original VW G12evo coolant you can get, among other things, in specialized workshops, service stations and on the Internet. The latter usually convinces with a lower price. Since it is always the same product, you can easily compare prices.

The alternative: Glysantin coolant

In addition to the original VW coolant, you can also fall back on other alternatives. This has the advantage that these manufacturers still produce coolant to the old standards, as they were initially filled in the Golf 5. Very well known here is the coolant from Glysantin. The Glysantin G30 corresponds to the G12+. Glysantin G40 is the alternative to G12++. However, Glysantin does not offer a counterpart to G13.

Checking the coolant in the VW Golf 5

Depending on the mixing ratio between concentrate and distilled water, the temperature-related protective function of the coolant changes. The higher the water content, the faster the coolant can freeze at low temperatures – and be responsible for damage.

Simply use the coolant tester to quickly and easily find out up to which minus temperature the current coolant protects the cooling system.