Constant control
Despite the temperature and coolant level monitoring equipment, you should rely not only on the indicator, but also periodically check the coolant level in the expansion tank in the engine compartment.
- The coolant level can only be accurately checked with the engine off.
- The liquid level is clearly visible in the transparent expansion tank, even with the lid closed. When the engine is cold, it should be between the markings.
- When the engine is hot, the level is naturally higher.
Adding coolant
A noticeable loss of coolant is a sign of some kind of malfunction or defect. The coolant is not consumed and cannot evaporate from the closed cooling system. Sometimes when the engine overheats, a little coolant can be squeezed out to the locking cap. If there is a constant loss of coolant, the cooling system must be checked for leaks as described later in the chapter.
1. If the cap on the expansion tank opens when the engine is hot, there is a risk of scalding - so use extreme caution.
2. Slowly open the locking cap with a gloved hand or a cloth first one turn and release excess pressure from the cooling system. Only then completely unscrew the cover.
3. If water is added, then antifreeze is gradually diluted, so immediately add a little antifreeze.
4. Do not fill the coolant above the mark «MAX»; coolant expands when heated and the excess flows out of the system.
5. You can add small amounts of coolant to the dosing tank both when the engine is warm and when it is cold.
6. With a significant loss of coolant and a hot engine, do not pour cold liquid into the expansion tank. Because of «cold shock» the cylinder head may be deformed or the engine block cracked.
Antifreeze
Here it is checked by the analyzer (arrow) antifreeze concentration.
In the cooling system, not only distilled water provides the necessary cooling of the engine, but a mixture of water, antifreeze and anti-corrosion agent. Therefore, it is more accurate to speak of a coolant or a coolant. The ratio of elements in the mixture for European conditions is 2:3, in the Nordic countries 1:1.
Engine
|
Frost protection up to
|
Water
|
Antifreeze
|
Four cylinder engine |
-25°С
-35°С |
4.0 l
3.5 l |
3.0 l
3.5 l |
Six-cylinder engine |
-25°С
-35°С |
3.5 l
3.0 l |
2.5 l
3.0 l |
The antifreeze is ethylene glycol, an alcohol-based liquid that does not evaporate or evaporate. Just like frost protection, corrosion protection is also important. The anti-corrosion agent prevents the formation of scale, rust and other corrosion products in the cooling system. Therefore, it is impossible to drain the coolant filled at the factory in the spring, it remains in the cooling system throughout the year.
Audi workshops use their own antifreeze «G 011 A8 C». In the factory configuration, it is also allowed to use other products that are marked «according to TL VW 774 C». Perhaps due to a different concentration, other proportions are formed in the mixture, which differ from the information given in the table. Therefore, for the sake of precaution, pay attention to the data on the packaging. However, antifreeze from different manufacturers can be mixed without fear.
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