You should also remove the thermostat and flush the system with clean water to remove any remaining traces of the old coolant. Step-2: Choosing the correct coolant

Both G13 and G40 coolants provide optimal protection for aluminum and magnesium alloys. G13 coolant provides better protection against corrosion than G40 coolant and is specifically designed to protect engine parts from corrosion. Lubrication It provides optimum anti-freeze, overheating and corrosion protection. Its special composition raises the water’s boiling point to 135C (275F) while preventing evaporation, and lowers the freezing point to -40C (-40F) while maintaining a constant pH value. Coolant as we know it today, also called antifreeze, is a kind of “super water.” Within it are many chemical compounds, the most important being Glycol. When added to water, Glycol raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point, stabilizing it for use in almost every application while also containing the lubricants that help the water pump and thermostat function effortlessly. The rest of the chemicals are corrosion inhibitors and dyes (orange, green, red, or blue). The corrosion inhibitors are critical to the type of material that the engine is made from and are categorized into four different types. Engine Coolant Corrosion Inhibitors: Reason 2: Mixing different types of coolant can also reduce the effectiveness of the coolant, which can cause your engine to overheat and potentially cause damage. Negative Effects: Mixing with an older coolant will result in accelerated internal wear on cooling system components.

Mercedes-Benz Coolant Specifications

Genuine G12evo (new version of G13) coolant additives protect individual engine components, safeguarding the engine’s long service life. It contains substances that form a protective coating against corrosion, helping to prevent foaming and neutralise ‘hard’ water ie water with a high mineral content.

Due to G12 no longer being made, if the system needs a top-off, it is not recommended to mix antifreeze types. A drain, flush, and re-fill are suggested with the latest fluid. All other coolant forms are still in production and can be found with ease. With that said, updating to the most modern coolant isn't a bad idea. It's the best blend of corrosion-inhibiting organic additives and lubricating silicates. Both G13 and G40 coolants have a lifespan of up to five years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it is essential to note that factors such as driving conditions, climate, and usage patterns can affect the coolant’s lifespan. ChemicalsYou can use the previous Q1030004 fluid in a Q1030005 factory-filled system ONLY IF the system is drained, flushed, re-drained, and then filled with Q1030004. The protection is nearly identical; however, the Q1030004 is not designed to last and perform as long as the new Q1030005. The newer OAT coolants work a bit differently than the older silicate-based IAT coolants. First off, these coolants don't have any silicates or phosphates. They contain organic salts to protect the cooling system. This means that their service life is extended. This category of antifreeze cannot be used in systems containing yellow metals, meaning older cars with copper and brass cooling system components can not use this type of coolant. Newer cars with aluminum engines and cooling system components are mostly OK. G13 contains some silicate additives for that additional healing aluminium protection. This is contrary to some earlier specifications that use OAT-technology (Organic Acid Technology). Silicate additives make G13 ideal for long-term use in all modern radiators, especially those constructed from aluminium, cast iron and magnesium alloys. Another important aspect of G40 coolant is that it is designed to be long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to five years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. This can help minimize the frequency of your car’s maintenance needs and provide peace of mind for drivers. Differences Between G40 and G13 Coolants: Comparison Table Spec/Feature VW GROUP Coolant Anti Freeze G12 evo replaces G12 plus AND G13 This bottle replaces the 1.5 Litre Bottle (G013A8JM1) This fluid is also for:

Once you have chosen the correct coolant, you can fill the cooling system with the new coolant. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct ratio of coolant to water, which is usually 50/50. Volkswagen/Audi Group is a bit of an outlier compared to other manufacturers in that they've consistently updated their cooling systems, engine materials, and engine coolants over the last three decades. That's resulted in five different potential coolants for your car available in three different colors and a few confusing names. Struggle no more when choosing your next coolant, as this section should be all you need. G11 Coolant Both G13 and G40 coolants provide optimal lubrication for water pump bearings and other engine components. Lubrication is essential for the proper functioning of engine components and helps reduce wear and tear. Color As critical as those different formulas are, they aren't regularly referred to by them. Instead, the largely accepted naming scheme comes from BASF. As one of the largest chemical producers in the world, BASF's Glysantin line of engine coolants is largely used as a general differentiator between coolant types. Their naming scheme is the originator of the G05, G40, and G48 designation, among others. Below, you'll find those Glysantin product names attached to each respective manufacturer's coolant specifications for ease of understanding. Engine Coolant TypesNext to protection against freezing, the G13 is also excellent for cooling and protection against corrosion and chalk deposits. It performs best at high temperatures and prevents the engine from being destroyed by heat caused by combustion and friction. Antifreeze is the hidden hero of our car’s engines. If you don’t know how antifreeze works, it’s pretty simple. Antifreeze is added to the water in your engine’s cooling system that lowers its freezing point (and raises its boiling point too). It’s why the liquid in your radiator doesn’t freeze when everything else seems to be! You can choose a concentrated coolant that needs to be mixed with water or a ready-mixed one that can be used immediately. About our Antifreeze and Engine Coolant

On the other hand, G13 is not the best choice for older cooling systems with copper/brass radiators and heater cores. It doesn’t work well with the lead solder. Use antifreeze with G11 or G12 specification instead. Over the last three decades or so, Mercedes has used three different coolant variants in their gasoline and diesel-powered cars. The oldest is Q1030002, a Yellow or Gold-colored G05 HOAT formula that is no longer available through Mercedes. It may still be available in small quantities through manufacturers like Zerex, but Mercedes recommends you drain and refill with a more modern variant. By avoiding silicates, G40 coolant like – Zerex G40 is able to provide better protection and lubrication for your engine over the long term.Following this maintenance schedule will ensure the prolonged life of your cooling system. Below is a radiator with clogged ports due to the build-up of silicate. This can lead to an overheating engine, so consider the perceived cost-benefit you get from skipping coolant flushes versus the cost of a new engine.