What Color Is Audi Antifreeze?

Audi’s current factory-approved antifreeze is typically a pink‑to‑violet (purple‑pink) coolant, but older models may use red or pink; what really matters, however, is the exact G‑specification (such as G12++, G13) printed on the bottle and in the owner’s manual, not the color alone. This article explains why Audi antifreeze colors vary, how to identify the correct product for your car, and why mixing coolants by color can be risky.

Understanding Audi Antifreeze Colors

Most modern Audi vehicles use long‑life, organic acid technology (OAT or HOAT) coolants that are dyed in distinctive colors for easy identification. In practice, though, the color is not a universal code and can differ by region, brand, and generation of coolant. Audi and Volkswagen group coolants are defined by “G‑numbers,” and the dye color is only a visual aid, not a technical standard.

The Most Common Colors in Use Today

Audi has transitioned through several generations of coolants, each associated with a typical color, though there can be slight hue differences depending on brand and concentration. The list below clarifies what owners are most likely to see in North American and European markets today, as of late 2024.

• G12 / G12+ – Usually pink or red, based on OAT technology, long‑life coolant.
• G12++ – Commonly pink to light purple; an improved OAT/HOAT formulation compatible with G12 and G11 in many cases.
• G13 – Typically purple or violet‑pink; modern “environmentally friendlier” coolant with glycerin content, widely used in recent Audi models.
• Older G11 – Generally blue or blue‑green; found mainly on much older VW/Audi vehicles and now largely superseded.

These colors help technicians quickly recognize the general coolant family, but they are not precise technical identifiers. Two different brands can both sell a “purple” coolant with different additive packs, so checking the G‑specification is always more reliable than trusting the shade alone.

Why Audi Antifreeze Color Is Not the Full Story

Despite the popularity of using color as a shorthand, antifreeze formulation is defined by its chemical inhibitor package, base (ethylene glycol or propylene/glycerin mixes), and manufacturer specification. Audi’s requirements are encoded in VW/Audi standards like TL 774‑F (G12++), TL 774‑J (G13), and others. If a coolant meets the correct spec, its exact shade of pink or purple is secondary.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Same Spec, Slightly Different Shade

Third‑party manufacturers often produce coolants “compatible with VW/Audi G12++/G13,” but will use a similar, not necessarily identical, dye. As a result, owners may see:

• A factory fill that looks more pastel pink or lilac.
• A dealer bottle that appears deeper magenta or violet.
• An aftermarket bottle marked “G13‑compatible” with a distinctly purple hue.

All may function correctly if they carry the correct VW/Audi approval or explicitly state conformity to the relevant TL 774 standard, emphasizing that the label and spec matter more than the approximate tint.

Regional Differences and Marketing Colors

Different markets sometimes receive the same underlying coolant technology with different branding or slightly different colors. There can also be variations between concentrate and premixed versions. As a result, an Audi owner in Europe might see a coolant that looks a touch more violet than a comparable U.S. product, even though both are G13 and cross‑compatible under Audi’s guidance.

How to Identify the Correct Audi Coolant for Your Car

To avoid compatibility problems and potential damage, Audi recommends following the specification in the owner’s manual or service information, not guessing based on color. The steps below outline how drivers can confidently determine the right antifreeze.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for references to “G12,” “G12+,” “G12++,” or “G13,” or to the VW standard TL 774‑F, TL 774‑G, TL 774‑J, etc.
2. Inspect the coolant reservoir: Many expansion tanks have a label or stamp indicating the G‑type originally used (like “use G12++/G13 only”).
3. Read the bottle label: Genuine Audi or VW‑branded coolant will clearly state the G‑spec; reputable aftermarket products will list the VW approvals or say “meets/exceeds VW TL 774‑…”
4. Consult the VIN at a dealer: A dealer parts department can look up the correct coolant by VIN and model year, ensuring an exact match.
5. If in doubt, do a full flush: When the current coolant type is unknown, some technicians prefer to completely drain and flush the system and refill with a single, correct G‑spec product.

Following these steps allows owners to bypass confusing color cues and rely instead on the manufacturer’s official specifications, which are the safest and most precise guide.

Mixing Audi Antifreeze: Why Color Matching Can Be Misleading

Mixing coolants that look similar but use different additive technologies can cause chemical incompatibilities, precipitates, or reduced corrosion protection. Many drivers assume “pink with pink is fine,” but this can be risky if the underlying chemistries differ.

• Avoid mixing G13 with generic green or yellow coolant: Even if the car runs, corrosion and scaling risks increase over time.
• Don’t rely solely on visual color to decide compatibility: Two pink coolants from different manufacturers may not share the same inhibitor package or VW approval.
• Follow Audi’s compatibility rules: Within the VW/Audi family, some G‑spec coolants are backward‑compatible or mixable (e.g., G12++ and G13), but Audi’s technical documentation should confirm this.
• If mixing is unavoidable in an emergency: Use distilled water temporarily, or add a small amount of a known compatible G‑spec coolant, then plan a proper flush and refill as soon as possible.

By understanding that dye color is only a rough indicator, owners can avoid the common mistake of topping up based on appearance and instead focus on documented compatibility and proper maintenance procedures.

Practical Guidance for Audi Owners

For daily use, most Audi drivers only encounter coolant when topping up or during scheduled service. A few straightforward habits help keep the cooling system reliable and avoid costly repair issues linked to incorrect antifreeze choice.

• Use only G12++ or G13 (or whatever your manual specifies): Buy OEM Audi/VW coolant or an aftermarket product that clearly lists the correct VW approval.
• Maintain proper mix: Typically a 50/50 mix of coolant concentrate and distilled water, unless your Audi documentation specifies a different ratio for extreme climates.
• Never top up hot with cold coolant: Let the engine cool before opening the expansion tank to prevent pressure‑related injury or thermal shock to components.
• Watch for color changes in the reservoir: If the coolant becomes rusty brown, milky, or filled with particles, a flush and system inspection are needed, regardless of the original color.

These basic practices treat coolant as a critical fluid rather than a cosmetic detail, ensuring that the color you see in the tank corresponds to a properly functioning and correctly specified antifreeze.

Summary

Audi antifreeze today is most commonly pink to violet, with G12, G12+, G12++, and especially G13 coolants appearing in various shades of pink, red, or purple depending on age, region, and brand. However, color alone is not a reliable guide to compatibility or suitability. The decisive factor is the G‑specification and VW/Audi approval printed on the product and referenced in the owner’s manual. To protect the engine and cooling system, Audi owners should match the specified G‑type, avoid mixing unknown coolants based purely on appearance, and, when in doubt, rely on OEM products or a complete flush and refill using the correct specification.

What coolant do I need for my Audi?

Audi uses specific coolants like G13 (purple) for newer models and compatible types like G12, G12+, or G12++, which are typically pink or violet. You should always check your owner’s manual or use a vehicle-specific lookup tool to confirm the correct type, as different engines may have different requirements. Never use standard, multi-vehicle coolants, as they can be incompatible and cause damage.
 
This video demonstrates how to check and fill the coolant level in an Audi or Volkswagen: 59sBlaupartsYouTube · Apr 23, 2020
Key points on Audi coolant

• Check your owner’s manual: The most reliable source is your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which specifies the correct coolant type for your specific model and engine. 
• Use G13 or compatible types: 
  • G13: This is the newer standard for many recent Audi models and is typically purple or pinkish-lavender. 
  • G12, G12+, or G12++: These are older specifications that may be found in some models and are generally pink or violet. 
• Ensure compatibility: Do not use general store-bought coolants that are not specifically approved for Audi/VW G12 or G13 standards, as they can cause damage. 
• Mix with distilled water (if needed): Some coolants come concentrated and need to be mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio. Check the product’s instructions, as some newer coolants may be pre-mixed. 

What color is G12 coolant Audi?

Audi G12 coolant is primarily pink or red, but later versions like G12++ and the most recent G12evo are also described as being violet or purple. The exact color can vary slightly between versions and manufacturers, so it’s best to use a coolant that meets the specified Audi coolant specification (like G12++ or G12 evo).
 
G12 coolant color breakdown

• Original G12: Typically red.
• G12+ and G12++: Generally pink.
• G12evo: Violet or purple, but is also described as pinkish or lilac. 

Important considerations

• Color and specification are not always the same: While color can be a helpful indicator, different coolant specs have different formulas. It’s crucial to use the correct specification (e.g., G12, G12++, or G12evo) for your vehicle, not just the right color. 
• Mixing coolants: Mixing different types of coolant can lead to a loss of performance or sludge formation. If you’re unsure what coolant is currently in your car, it is best to completely flush the system before adding a new coolant. 

What color coolant does Audi use?

Audi uses pink, purple, or lavender coolant, commonly known as G13, for its vehicles. This type of coolant is specific to Volkswagen Group vehicles and is designed to protect the engine and cooling system from corrosion. It’s crucial to only use the correct Audi coolant to avoid damaging the engine.
 
Coolant type and color

• Primary coolant: Audi’s modern vehicles use G13, a long-life coolant, which is a purple or pinkish-lavender color. 
• Older models: Some older models may use other formulations, but G13 has largely replaced them. 
• Avoid mixing: Never mix G13 with other coolants (such as green or orange) as this can cause corrosion and severe damage to the cooling system. If you are unsure or need to top off, adding distilled water is a safer alternative to using the wrong coolant type. 

How to choose and maintain

• Check your owner’s manual: The most accurate way to know the specific coolant type for your vehicle is to consult your owner’s manual. 
• Buy the correct type: Purchase either G13 or a coolant specifically labeled as compatible with Audi/VW, which will be pink or purple. 
• Flush and refill: If you have the wrong coolant in your system or are unsure what is in it, a complete system flush and refill is the safest option to ensure compatibility. 

Do Audis need special antifreeze?

But unlike generic vehicles, Audi coolant is different. It’s specially formulated to work with Audi’s aluminum engine components and precision-engineered cooling systems.