What Coolant Does a 2017 Audi S7 Take?

The 2017 Audi S7 is designed to use a pink or purple, phosphate‑free, silicate‑free, HOAT/OAT‑type coolant that meets Audi/VW specifications TL‑VW 774 J (G13) or its current superseding standard, typically sold as genuine Audi/VW G13 coolant concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Contents

Understanding the Correct Coolant for a 2017 Audi S7
The Official Audi/VW Coolant Specification
Coolant Types: G12, G13, and Aftermarket Equivalents
Mixing, Topping Off, and Dilution Ratios
Service Intervals and Maintenance Considerations
How to Confirm the Correct Coolant for Your Specific Car
Key Takeaways and Summary

Understanding the Correct Coolant for a 2017 Audi S7

The question of which coolant to use in a 2017 Audi S7 is more complex than just choosing a color off the shelf. Audi uses specific long‑life, hybrid and organic acid technology coolants that protect aluminum and alloy components, turbochargers, and high‑performance engines. Using the wrong coolant or mixing incompatible types can damage the cooling system, shorten water pump life, and potentially void warranty coverage on related repairs.

The Official Audi/VW Coolant Specification

To understand what belongs in the cooling system of a 2017 Audi S7, it helps to start with the manufacturer’s official specification and how it is usually labeled at dealerships and parts counters.

Factory-Specified Coolant Standard

Audi and Volkswagen define engine coolant by internal specification codes. For a 2017 Audi S7 (4.0 TFSI), the relevant spec is G13 coolant, which corresponds to VW/Audi standard TL‑VW 774 J (G13). In some regions, Audi may now supply an updated purple/pink coolant that supersedes G13, but it will still list compatibility with G13 or TL‑VW 774 J on the label.

Below is a breakdown of the key points about the factory specification for the 2017 S7’s coolant.

Specification: TL‑VW 774 J (commonly referred to as G13)

Type: Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) / OAT‑based long‑life coolant

Color: Typically pink, purple, or purple‑pink; slight shade differences by brand and region

Base: Glycerin and/or ethylene glycol based, phosphate‑free and silicate‑free (or very low silicate)

Intended Use: Aluminum and alloy engines, turbocharged applications, high‑temperature modern cooling systems

Branding: Often labeled as “Genuine Audi/VW G13 Coolant” at dealerships and authorized parts outlets

Mix Ratio (Typical): 50% coolant concentrate, 50% distilled water, unless using premixed

These specification details ensure that the coolant not only manages engine temperature but also protects the many aluminum, plastic, and rubber components throughout the S7’s cooling system.

Coolant Types: G12, G13, and Aftermarket Equivalents

Because many Audi and VW coolants share similar technology and appearance, there is understandable confusion between G12, G12++, G13, and compatible aftermarket products. Understanding the differences is important to avoid harmful mixing and to ensure long‑term reliability.

G12 and G13: How They Relate

While your 2017 Audi S7 is specified for G13, it is useful to see where G13 fits among earlier generations of VAG coolants and how backward compatibility works.

The following list outlines the general relationships between the most common VW/Audi coolant generations you might encounter.

G11 (older, usually blue/green): Traditional silicate-containing coolant; not recommended for modern Audi engines like the 2017 S7.

G12 / G12+ (pink/red): Earlier OAT‑based long‑life coolants; used in many 2000s and early 2010s VAG vehicles.

G12++ (typically pink/purple): Improved long‑life coolant with broader compatibility and enhanced corrosion protection.

G13 (pink/purple): Later formulation with a partial glycerin base; designed to be more environmentally friendly and compatible with G12++.

Compatibility: G13 is generally backward compatible with G12++ and G12+ as long as they’re the VAG‑approved variants (not generic “G12” labels that don’t cite VW specs).

While G13 can coexist with G12++/G12+ that meet VW standards, Audi’s official recommendation for the 2017 S7 is to maintain G13‑spec coolant and avoid mixing in unknown or generic coolant types.

Aftermarket Coolant Options

Drivers sometimes seek alternatives to dealership coolant due to cost or availability. Some reputable aftermarket brands offer coolants that explicitly state compliance with VW TL‑VW 774 J (G13) or with VW/Audi G13 requirements. The critical factor is the exact spec on the label, not just color or generalized compatibility claims.

Here are the main considerations when evaluating aftermarket coolant for a 2017 Audi S7.

Specification on Label: It should clearly list “Meets or exceeds VW TL‑VW 774 J / G13” or an official Audi/VW coolant spec that covers G13.

Color Alone Is Not Enough: Many pink or purple coolants on the market are not formulated to VAG standards and may contain additives harmful to Audi systems.

HOAT/OAT Chemistry: Look for phosphate‑free, silicate‑free (or very low silicate) HOAT/OAT formulations suitable for aluminum engines.

Concentrate vs Premix: Concentrates must be mixed with distilled water; premixed solutions are ready to use but usually more expensive per liter of active coolant.

Warranty and Risk: While using a spec‑compliant aftermarket coolant is usually safe, anything that does not clearly claim VW/Audi G13 compatibility poses a risk to components and potential goodwill coverage.

Choosing a coolant that specifically lists the G13 standard minimizes risk and aligns as closely as possible with what Audi originally engineered for the S7’s V8 TFSI engine.

Mixing, Topping Off, and Dilution Ratios

Even when you have the right coolant type, improper mixing, topping off, or water quality can compromise cooling performance or cause deposits inside the system. The 2017 Audi S7’s high‑output turbocharged engine is especially sensitive to overheating and scale buildup.

Recommended Mix Ratio

Audi typically recommends a 50/50 blend of G13 coolant concentrate and distilled water for moderate climates, providing both freeze protection and optimal boiling point elevation. In especially cold climates, a slightly higher concentration (up to about 60% coolant) may be allowed, but exceeding that can actually reduce cooling efficiency.

The following points summarize best practices for mixing coolant for a 2017 Audi S7.

Standard Mix: 50% G13 coolant concentrate, 50% distilled water.

Cold Climate Adjustment: Up to about 60% coolant / 40% distilled water for extreme cold, in line with Audi guidance.

Do Not Use 100% Concentrate: Straight coolant does not transfer heat as effectively and can impair cooling and pump lubrication.

Use Distilled Water: Tap water can introduce minerals, leading to scale, deposits, and corrosion inside the radiator and engine passages.

Premixed Coolant: If you purchase premixed G13‑approved coolant, do not dilute further; use it as supplied.

Adhering to proper dilution ratios with distilled water ensures that the S7’s cooling system can handle both high‑load operation and sub‑freezing temperatures without excessive wear or deposits.

Safe Practices for Topping Off

Occasional coolant loss can happen due to small evaporation or prior service work. How you top off the system matters, especially if you are unsure what is already in the reservoir.

The list below outlines the safest approaches when topping off coolant in a 2017 Audi S7.

Match Existing Coolant: Ideally, top off only with the same G13‑spec coolant that is already in the system.

Small Adjustments with Distilled Water: If the coolant mixture is slightly concentrated, using a small amount of distilled water is safer than guessing with another coolant type.

Avoid Universal or “All Makes/Models” Fluids: Unless they explicitly state VW/Audi G13 approval, these can cause additive conflicts and sludge formation.

Don’t Mix with Traditional Green or Orange Coolants: Conventional IAT or some North American OAT coolants are often incompatible and can cause gelling or deposits.

If in Doubt, Flush: When you inherit a car with unknown coolant, a complete flush and refill with genuine or fully spec‑compliant G13 is the safest route.

Careful topping off protects the S7’s water pump, heater core, and turbo cooling circuits, reducing the likelihood of expensive future repairs.

Service Intervals and Maintenance Considerations

Modern long‑life coolants like G13 significantly extend service intervals, but they are not “lifetime” fluids in a strict sense. Heat cycles, contamination, and additive depletion eventually reduce their protective qualities, especially in performance engines like the S7’s 4.0‑liter twin‑turbo V8.

When to Replace Coolant

Official maintenance schedules may vary slightly by market, but in practice, many Audi technicians recommend periodic coolant replacement rather than waiting for a major cooling system failure as a trigger.

The following guidelines provide a reasonable maintenance approach for a 2017 Audi S7’s coolant system.

Initial Interval: Audi often does not specify a very short coolant change interval for G13, but a practical benchmark is around 5 years or 100,000 km (60,000 mi), whichever comes first.

Subsequent Intervals: After the first change, intervals of roughly 3–5 years are commonly recommended by independent Audi specialists.

Heavy Use or Tuning: Track driving, frequent high‑load use, or engine tuning may justify more frequent coolant checks and earlier replacement.

System Repairs: Any major component replacement (radiator, water pump, heater core, thermostat housing) is a good time to fully refresh the coolant.

Check for Contamination: Discoloration, particles, oil film, or sludge in the coolant reservoir indicate the need for diagnosis and likely a complete flush.

Regular coolant service helps protect the S7’s cooling passages, turbochargers, and head gaskets, and maintains stable temperature control under spirited driving.

How to Confirm the Correct Coolant for Your Specific Car

Although the general specification for a 2017 Audi S7 is clear, there can be regional differences, superseded part numbers, and updated formulations over time. Verifying the exact product for your VIN and market is always wise.

Checking With Audi and Reliable Sources

The most reliable information will always come from Audi’s own documentation and systems tied to your vehicle’s VIN. This is especially important if your car was sold in a specific regional market with slightly different fluids.

Here are the best ways to confirm the right coolant for your individual 2017 S7.

Owner’s Manual: The cooling system section typically references the required coolant specification and sometimes the G‑code (e.g., G13).

Under‑Hood Label: Many Audi vehicles have a warning or service label near the coolant reservoir noting the approved coolant type or color.

Dealer or Authorized Service Center: Provide your VIN and ask for the current recommended coolant part number and spec.

Audi Parts Catalog (ETKA‑style systems): Official parts systems will list the current approved coolant and any supersessions.

Service Records: If previous service was done at an authorized Audi dealer, invoices may list the exact coolant product used.

By cross‑checking these sources, you can confidently choose a coolant that fully aligns with Audi’s engineering and avoids the pitfalls of guesswork or generic products.

Key Takeaways and Summary

The 2017 Audi S7 is engineered to run on a specific long‑life, high‑performance coolant: a pink or purple HOAT/OAT‑type fluid that meets Audi/VW standard TL‑VW 774 J, commonly known as G13. This coolant is typically sold as genuine Audi/VW G13 concentrate (or a direct successor that explicitly lists G13 compatibility) and is meant to be mixed 50/50 with distilled water for most climates.

Color alone is not a guarantee of compatibility—always look for the VW/Audi specification on the label. Avoid mixing in conventional green, generic “universal,” or non‑approved coolants, as they can cause chemical conflicts, deposits, and increased wear on critical components. When in doubt about what is currently in the system, a complete flush and refill with a confirmed G13‑spec coolant is the safest solution.

For best results, confirm the recommended coolant against your owner’s manual and, if necessary, an Audi dealer using your VIN. Maintaining the correct coolant type, mixture, and service interval plays a crucial role in preserving the performance, reliability, and longevity of the 2017 Audi S7’s high‑output V8 engine and its sophisticated cooling system.

What kind of coolant does a 2017 Audi q7 take?

The correct coolant for a 2017 Audi Q7 is Audi/VW G13 (Lilac/Purple), which is a silicate-free formula. You can use either a G13 concentrate mixed with distilled water or a pre-mixed G13 coolant. Alternatively, you can use a quality equivalent with the correct specification (TL052774J). Do not use standard, store-bought coolants as they may not be compatible with the Audi cooling system.

Recommended Coolant

Audi/VW G13 (Lilac/Purple): This is the factory-recommended coolant and is compatible with all Audi/VW coolant types.
Equivalents: Look for coolants that meet the specification TL052774J, as this is the specification recommended by Audi/VW for its vehicles.

Coolant types to avoid

Standard coolants: Avoid using regular, non-European, store-bought coolants, as they lack the specific compatibility and protection needed for an Audi cooling system.

Important considerations

Mixing: If using a concentrate, always mix it with distilled water to ensure proper performance and to avoid mineral buildup.
Mixing colors: G13 is compatible with older Audi coolants, but if you are doing a complete system flush, it is best to stick with one type. When adding coolant to top off, G13 can be used to top off or replace older colors.

What kind of coolant for Audi A7?

The correct coolant for an Audi A7 is either Audi/VW G13 (purple/lilac) for newer models or a universal coolant that is G12+ compatible, such as yellow HOAT coolants. Always check your owner’s manual to confirm the correct type and specification for your specific vehicle year and engine, as it is important to use a coolant that is compatible with your car’s cooling system.

Specific coolant types
This video shows how to find the correct coolant for your car in the owner’s manual: 53sHome AutosYouTube · May 29, 2021

Audi/VW G13: This is a purple or lilac-colored coolant that is the recommended type for many newer Audi models and has replaced older formulas like G12 and G12++.
G12+ compatible: If G13 is not the required type, look for a coolant that is specified as compatible with G12+.
Yellow HOAT: Yellow-colored coolants, often using Phosphated Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (P-HOAT), are a compatible option for many models, including some newer ones.
Universal coolants: Some “universal” or “all-makes” coolants are formulated to be compatible with various types of coolant, including Audi’s specifications. When using these, ensure they meet the required standards or are specified as compatible with your vehicle’s original coolant type.