What Coolant Does a 2019 Audi Q5 Take?

A 2019 Audi Q5 is designed to use an Audi/VW-approved **G13 (or late-spec G12++) purple/pink, silicate-free, OAT-based coolant** that meets **VW/Audi TL 774 J (G13)** or the earlier **TL 774 G (G12++)** specification. It must be **phosphate-free, nitrite-free, and silicate-free**, and should **not** be mixed with generic green coolant or non-approved types.

Understanding the Correct Coolant for a 2019 Audi Q5

Coolant choice on modern Audi engines is not just about color or brand; it is about compatibility with aluminum components, long-life additives, and VW/Audi factory approvals. Using the wrong coolant or mixing incompatible types can damage the cooling system, reduce corrosion protection, and potentially void parts of your warranty or goodwill repairs.

The Official Coolant Specification

Audi specifies a particular coolant standard for the 2019 Q5, matching the wider Volkswagen Group requirements. This ensures corrosion resistance, stable temperature control, and compatibility with the engine’s alloys and seals.

Factory-Specified Coolant Type

A 2019 Audi Q5 typically requires coolant that meets the **VW/Audi TL 774 J (G13)** specification. In some documentation and dealer parts systems, you may also see **G12++ (TL 774 G)** referenced as backward-compatible and acceptable. Both are long-life, OAT-based coolants suitable for your vehicle’s cooling system.

To clarify the approved coolant specifications, here is a breakdown of the main types you will encounter for modern VW/Audi vehicles.

• G13 (TL 774 J) – Current standard for many late-model VAG vehicles; usually purple or pink-violet; based on OAT with glycerin; environmentally friendlier than older ethylene-glycol-only blends.
• G12++ (TL 774 G) – Earlier long-life OAT coolant; pink/purple; fully compatible with G13 and with other modern VW long-life coolants (but still must not be mixed with “universal” or green coolants).
• G12+ – Older spec, also OAT-based; typically red/pink; still compatible upward with G12++ and G13, but for a 2019 Q5 you should aim for G12++ or G13.
• G11 / Conventional green – Outdated for modern Audi cooling systems; generally not approved for the 2019 Q5 and should not be used or mixed.

This progression shows that while G12+ and G12++ exist, **G13 or G12++** are the closest match to what your 2019 Q5 would have had from the factory, and they provide the most reliable and manufacturer-approved protection.

Color vs. Specification: Why Color Alone Is Not Enough

Owners often use coolant color as a guide, but that can be misleading. Audi’s G12-series and G13 coolants are commonly pink, purple, or violet, yet aftermarket products may mimic the same color while failing to meet the VW/Audi specifications.

Several factors show why the **specification number matters more than color** when choosing coolant.

• Color is not standardized – Different manufacturers can dye their coolant nearly any color they choose, even if the chemistry and approvals differ.
• Spec code is authoritative – The “VW TL 774 J” or “VW TL 774 G” printed on the label is the true indicator that the coolant meets Audi’s technical requirements.
• Mixing by color is risky – Two pink coolants could have incompatible additive packages; mixing them can create sludge or diminish corrosion protection.
• Audi’s own products are clearly labeled – Genuine Audi coolants sold at dealers will specifically list their VW TL number, providing certainty that they match the vehicle’s design.

This means that when topping up or replacing coolant in your 2019 Q5, you should identify the **VW/Audi TL 774** spec on the container rather than relying on visual color alone.

Recommended Products for a 2019 Audi Q5

While Audi does not endorse specific third-party brands in consumer-facing materials, several product categories and labeling conventions make it easier to choose the right coolant that meets factory standards.

Genuine Audi/VW Coolant

The safest choice is always a genuine fluid sourced from an Audi dealer or a verified OEM parts supplier. This ensures the coolant meets the exact TL specification intended for your Q5.

Here are key identifiers you will see on genuine or OEM-equivalent bottles.

• VW/Audi TL 774 J (G13) or **TL 774 G (G12++)** clearly listed in the technical data on the bottle.
• Color usually appears as purple, pink or violet, matching the coolant visible in the reservoir of most 2019 Q5 models.
• Branding under Audi, Volkswagen, or an OEM supplier (e.g., Pentosin/Febi Bilstein) that explicitly states “Approved for VW/Audi G13” or equivalent wording.
• Concentrate vs premix clearly indicated – often a 50/50 premix or a concentrate to be diluted with distilled or demineralized water.

Using dealer-sourced coolant eliminates guesswork and is particularly advisable on newer vehicles still within or close to warranty or goodwill repair periods.

Reputable Aftermarket Coolants

If genuine Audi coolant is not available, certain aftermarket coolants explicitly formulated to VW/Audi G13 or G12++ standards can be used, provided they fully comply with the required specifications.

When evaluating aftermarket coolants for compatibility with your 2019 Q5, consider the following criteria.

• Exact specification match – The label should say “Meets or exceeds VW TL 774 J (G13)” or “TL 774 G (G12++)”; vague “suitable for European vehicles” claims are not enough.
• OAT or hybrid-OAT chemistry – It should clearly be an organic-acid-technology coolant, with no silicates, phosphates, nitrites, or amines, unless specifically stated as compatible with VW TL specs.
• Manufacturer documentation – Reputable brands provide detailed spec sheets online; you can cross-check that VW TL 774 J or G is explicitly listed.
• Warranty notes – Choose products that mention compatibility with VW/Audi vehicles and do not require mixing with other coolant types to function as advertised.

As long as the aftermarket product adheres to the VW TL 774 specification and is used correctly, it can be a valid alternative to dealer coolant, though OEM fluids remain the lowest-risk option.

Mixing, Topping Off, and Dilution Ratios

The way you add or replace coolant matters almost as much as which coolant you use. The 2019 Q5’s cooling system is engineered for a precise mixture, usually around 50% coolant and 50% water, to balance freeze protection, boil-over resistance, and corrosion control.

Can You Mix Different Coolants?

Owners often face situations where the coolant level has dropped slightly and they need to top off. In these moments, it’s vital to avoid incompatible mixes.

There are several key rules for mixing and topping up coolant in a 2019 Audi Q5.

• Do not mix VW-spec coolant with generic “green” coolant – This can cause gelling, sludge, or loss of anti-corrosion performance.
• Stick within the G12+/G12++/G13 family – If your Q5 already has pink/purple VW coolant, topping with G13 or G12++ of the same spec is typically acceptable.
• When uncertain, use distilled water for a small top-off – As an emergency measure, small amounts of distilled water are safer than adding an unknown coolant type; then replace or flush at the earliest opportunity.
• A full flush is best after contamination – If the system has been mixed with incorrect coolant or unknown products, a complete drain, flush, and refill with the correct coolant is recommended.

Following these guidelines helps preserve the chemistry of the coolant and maintains the designed protection of the engine and cooling components.

Correct Mixture Ratio

A 2019 Audi Q5 typically requires a **50/50 mix** of coolant concentrate and distilled water in most climates. In very cold environments, a slightly stronger mixture may be allowed, but Audi does not recommend concentrations beyond about 60% coolant.

When preparing or checking the mixture, keep these points in mind.

• Standard mix: 50% G13 (or G12++) and 50% distilled water – Provides freeze protection down to roughly -35 °C (-31 °F) and strong corrosion resistance.
• Do not exceed 60% coolant – More concentrate does not always mean better; it can actually reduce heat transfer capabilities.
• Use distilled or demineralized water – Tap water can contain minerals that lead to deposits and scale inside the radiator and engine.
• Premixed products are convenient – Many G13/G12++ coolants are sold in 50/50 premixed form, eliminating dilution errors.

Maintaining the correct ratio is crucial for both temperature control and long-term protection of metal components, seals, and plastic parts in the cooling system.

How to Identify the Coolant in Your Q5

Before adding or changing coolant, it is helpful to confirm what’s already in the car. The 2019 Q5’s expansion tank under the hood offers a visual cue, but further checks are recommended, especially if you purchased the vehicle used.

Visual and Documentation Checks

By combining visual inspection with documentation, you can get a reasonably accurate idea of the coolant type currently in the system.

Here are practical steps for identifying the coolant already present in your 2019 Q5.

• Check the coolant color in the expansion tank – It should typically appear pink/purple/violet if filled with VW-approved G12++/G13.
• Review the owner’s manual and maintenance records – Service invoices may list “G13 coolant” or a VW/Audi part number; dealer service history is especially helpful.
• Look for labels or tags in the engine bay – Some vehicles have service stickers indicating coolant type or service details.
• Ask a dealer to verify – An Audi service department can confirm the recommended coolant spec for your VIN and may also check the system if you suspect contamination.

Although these methods are not as definitive as chemical analysis, they are usually sufficient to ensure you choose a compatible coolant for topping off or replacement.

Service Intervals and When to Replace Coolant

Coolant in a late-model Audi Q5 is generally considered “long-life,” but it is not truly permanent. Over time, corrosion inhibitors deplete, and the fluid can become contaminated with rust particles or other residues.

Common guidance around coolant service for the 2019 Q5 includes the following points.

• Long-life coolant does not mean never-change – While Audi may not specify frequent changes, many independent specialists recommend replacement around 5 years or 100,000 miles, especially in harsh conditions.
• Replace after major cooling system work – Any radiator replacement, water pump change, or major hose failure is a good opportunity to install fresh coolant.
• Monitor for discoloration or debris – Brown, murky, or sludgy coolant, or visible floating particles, indicates the system may need flushing and refilling.
• Watch for overheating or odor – Signs like overheating, strong sweet smell, or visible leaks warrant professional inspection and likely coolant replacement.

Proactive coolant maintenance helps protect against internal corrosion, water pump damage, and overheating, all of which can be costly on a modern turbocharged Audi engine.

Practical Steps for Owners

For many owners, the key challenge is not just knowing what coolant the 2019 Q5 takes, but what to do in everyday situations like a low reservoir level or scheduled maintenance.

These practical steps summarize how to handle coolant issues safely and correctly.

• Confirm the specification first – Look up the coolant spec in your owner’s manual or ask an Audi dealer for the correct VW TL 774 code for your VIN.
• Use only G13 or G12++-spec coolant – Avoid “universal” or generic products that do not list VW TL 774 J or G as an official spec.
• Top up when cold, if at all possible – Always check and add coolant with the engine cold to avoid burns and inaccurate level readings.
• Never open a hot pressurized system – Opening the cap while hot can release scalding steam and boiling coolant.
• If in doubt, let a professional handle it – Modern cooling systems are more complex; a trusted shop or Audi dealer can perform a proper flush, bleed air from the system, and verify performance.

Following these steps ensures that you maintain the cooling system according to Audi’s requirements, minimizing risks of overheating or component damage.

Summary

The 2019 Audi Q5 is engineered to run on a specific type of coolant: **VW/Audi-approved G13 (TL 774 J) or G12++ (TL 774 G) OAT-based coolant**, typically purple or pink, and clearly labeled as meeting the relevant VW specification. Relying on color alone is not enough; the critical factor is the **VW TL 774** approval printed on the container. Mixing this coolant with universal green or non-approved types is not recommended and can harm the cooling system.

For most owners, the most reliable choice is genuine Audi/VW coolant purchased from a dealer, mixed 50/50 with distilled water unless supplied premixed. Proper identification, correct mixing, and respect for service intervals all contribute to a stable, efficient cooling system and longer engine life. When uncertain, consult the owner’s manual or an Audi dealer to confirm the correct product and procedure for your specific Q5 configuration.

What coolant to use for Audi Q5?

The correct coolant for an Audi Q5 is specifically Audi/VW G13, which is a lilac or pinkish-lavender color. This type of coolant is formulated for Audi’s specific cooling system and aluminum components and should not be substituted with generic coolants. While newer models use G13, some older models may use G12++ or G12+, which are compatible with G13.
 
This video demonstrates how to check the coolant level in an Audi Q5: 1mSanu Motors with CharlieYouTube · May 29, 2023
Coolant type by model

• Newer models: Use G13 coolant, which is a specific lilac or pinkish-lavender fluid. 
• Older models: May use G12++ or G12+ coolant, which are also compatible with G13 and Audi’s cooling system. 

Important considerations

• Use only approved fluids: Do not use standard store-bought coolant, as it may not meet Audi’s specifications and could damage the cooling system. 
• Check for compatible alternatives: Some aftermarket brands offer compatible coolants, such as Prestone Max European Vehicles (Violet) or Pentofrost ++, but ensure they meet the G13 specification. 
• Check the owner’s manual: Always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate information for your specific vehicle. 

What happens if I put all-purpose coolant in an Audi?

If you use the incorrect coolant in your Audi then lots of issues may arise. Corrosion and water pump damage, seal damage, radiator damage and much more lead to costly repairs.

What color coolant goes in Audi?

What Kind of Antifreeze Do I Need?

Color	Manufacturers/Compatibility
Green	Most Asian manufacturers, including Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Subaru
Orange	Ford Motors, General Motors
Yellow	All vehicles
Turquoise	Audi, BMW, and other European manufacturers

Does Audi need special coolant?

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.