What Kind of Coolant Does Audi Use?

Audi typically uses pink or purple, silicate-free, organic additive technology (OAT/Si-OAT) engine coolants that meet Volkswagen/Audi standards such as G12++, G13 and the newer G12evo; the safest choice is always an approved VW/Audi coolant from the dealer or a reputable brand explicitly marked as VW TL 774‑F/G/J or “Audi/VW approved.” In practice, that means using the exact coolant type listed in your owner’s manual and never mixing different generations unless the label and Audi documentation confirm compatibility.

Why Audi Coolant Is Different From Universal Antifreeze

Audi engines are engineered around specific coolant chemistry that protects aluminum alloy components, turbochargers and complex cooling circuits. Unlike older, “universal” green coolants used widely in the past, modern Audi coolant is long-life, phosphate-free and silicate-free (or uses controlled Si-OAT formulations) to prevent internal corrosion, scale and water‑pump damage. Using the wrong coolant can shorten component life and, in the worst cases, lead to overheating or corrosion inside the engine and radiator.

The Main Audi Coolant Types: G11, G12, G12++, G13 and G12evo

Audi and its parent company Volkswagen identify coolants with internal codes like G11, G12 and G13, which correspond to specific factory standards (VW TL 774 series). Understanding these codes helps owners and technicians select and mix the right coolant, especially as vehicles age and new formulations replace old ones.

Legacy Coolants: G11 and Early G12

Earlier Audi models used older formulations that are now largely superseded, but they still matter if you’re maintaining an older car or doing a complete system flush.

The following list outlines the legacy coolants and their basic characteristics.

• G11 (VW TL 774‑C) – Typically blue or green, used in many pre‑late‑1990s VAG vehicles. It’s a traditional coolant with silicate-based corrosion inhibitors, suitable for older cooling-system materials but not ideal for modern aluminum-intensive engines.
• Early G12 (VW TL 774‑D) – Usually red or pink, a first‑generation OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, free of silicates and designed to be long‑life. It must not be mixed with G11; mixing can cause sludge and loss of protection.

These older formulations are mainly relevant for classic or early-generation Audi models; for most owners of 2000s and later cars, updated G12++/G13/G12evo products have superseded them.

Modern Audi Coolants: G12+, G12++, G13 and G12evo

On nearly all modern Audi models, the factory-fill coolant is one of the G12-family coolants or the latest G12evo, which are designed for extended service intervals and optimized aluminum and mixed-metal protection.

The following list describes the current coolant families used in recent Audi vehicles and their key traits.

• G12+ / G12 Plus (VW TL 774‑F) – Pink or purple, improved OAT coolant with better compatibility and protection than early G12. It can generally be mixed with G12++ and G13 (but always confirm on the product label and with Audi guidance).
• G12++ (VW TL 774‑G) – Often purple or violet, a hybrid OAT (HOAT / Si-OAT) coolant. It’s backward-compatible with G12+ and designed for long life, high‑temperature stability and compatibility with alloy engines and modern plastics.
• G13 (VW TL 774‑J) – Usually purple or pink/purple, similar performance to G12++ but made with a glycerin-based formulation (partly from renewable sources) to reduce environmental impact. Factory fill in many Audi models from the early–mid 2010s onward. G13 is typically compatible with G12+ and G12++ in practice.
• G12evo (VW TL 774‑L) – The latest generation coolant used on many current VW/Audi models (including some MQB, MLB and EV/plug‑in hybrid platforms). It is often a light purple coolant and is designed for higher-temperature operation, modern turbocharged engines and long drain intervals. It’s backward-compatible with many G12++/G13 applications, but always verify with official documentation.

Together, these modern coolants form the backbone of Audi’s current cooling strategy, combining long service life with compatibility across most 2000s-and-newer vehicles, provided the specific VW TL 774 standard on the bottle matches the one in your manual.

What Color Coolant Does Audi Use – And How Much Does Color Matter?

Coolant color is often confusing: Audi coolant is usually pink or purple, which leads some owners to assume color alone defines compatibility. In reality, the color is a dye and not a certified indicator of chemistry; the actual specification printed on the label is far more important.

This list explains how color generally maps to common Audi coolant types while stressing the limits of relying on color alone.

• Pink / Red – Common for many G12 / G12+ coolants. Some aftermarket products copy this color to suggest OEM compatibility, but you must check the VW TL 774 code.
• Purple / Violet – Widely used for G12++, G13 and G12evo, especially in genuine Audi/VW bottles. However, several different formulations may share similar purple shades.
• Blue / Green – Associated with older G11 coolant or generic “universal” formulas. Most modern Audi models should not use blue/green coolant unless specifically called for in the owner’s manual.
• Clear or Slightly Tinted – Some concentrated products and premixes have less intense color. The only reliable guidance is the VW TL 774 standard and the Audi/VW part number.

While color can offer a rough clue, it is not a substitute for verifying the VW TL 774 specification and, ideally, the Audi or VW part number printed on the bottle or packaging.

Official Audi/VW Specifications to Look For

To avoid guesswork, Audi and Volkswagen publish formal coolant specifications in the VW TL 774 series. These codes are what matter most when choosing coolant for your car, regardless of brand or color.

The list below outlines the key VW TL 774 codes and what they correspond to in everyday product names.

• VW TL 774‑C – G11, older coolant, mostly for pre‑1997/1998 vehicles (now largely superseded).
• VW TL 774‑D – Early G12, red/pink OAT, generally replaced by later G12+ and G12++.
• VW TL 774‑F – G12+, improved OAT, long-life, widely used in early‑mid 2000s vehicles.
• VW TL 774‑G – G12++, hybrid OAT/Si-OAT, common throughout late‑2000s and 2010s models.
• VW TL 774‑J – G13, glycerin-based, eco‑focused successor to G12++, used on many 2010s Audi models.
• VW TL 774‑L – G12evo, latest generation, used on many new vehicles from the late‑2010s onward.

If the coolant label explicitly states one of these VW TL 774 codes and indicates OEM approval (not just “meets requirements” in vague terms), it is generally appropriate for the Audi models listed in the official documentation.

Factory Coolant for Newer Audi Models (Approx. Mid‑2010s Onward)

Most new Audi vehicles sold in the last decade are filled at the factory with G13 or G12evo coolant, depending on the exact model, engine and production year. These coolants support long-life service intervals and are tailored to cope with tighter cooling-system tolerances, integrated intercoolers and high-specific-output turbocharged engines.

The following examples illustrate how recent Audi models typically align with coolant types, noting that exact spec can vary by market and model year.

• Compact models (A1, A3, Q2, some TT) – Commonly filled with G13 in early–mid 2010s; many more recent examples use G12evo, especially on MQB-based platforms.
• Mid-size platforms (A4, A5, Q5, Q3) – Often use G13 transitioning to G12evo; dealer service parts for current models are typically G12evo or a “backwards compatible” coolant for earlier G12++/G13 filled vehicles.
• Large and performance models (A6, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, S/RS variants) – Typically G13 for 2010s models, moving to G12evo on newer MLB and performance variants, including those with 48‑V mild-hybrid auxiliaries.
• Electrified models (e‑tron, plug‑in hybrids) – Use G12evo or a closely related VW TL 774‑L coolant, often in separate cooling circuits for battery, power electronics and cabin conditioning.

Because transition years and engine-specific variations exist, the definitive guide is the owner’s manual or the coolant label under the hood, both of which indicate the approved standard and Audi part number.

Mixing Coolant Types: What’s Allowed and What’s Risky

Coolant compatibility is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Audi maintenance. While some modern G12-family coolants are designed to be mixed in emergencies, Audi’s official guidance consistently favors using one specification throughout the system.

The following points summarize typical compatibility guidelines frequently referenced in technical documentation and service practice.

• Do not mix G11 with G12/G12+/G12++/G13/G12evo – Combining the older, silicate-rich G11 with OAT/HOAT coolants can lead to sludge, gel formation and poor corrosion protection.
• Early G12 (VW TL 774‑D) vs. later G12+/G12++/G13 – Mixing older G12 with newer formulas is generally discouraged unless the product explicitly states backward compatibility and the system is fully flushed before changeover.
• G12+, G12++, G13 and G12evo – Many of these are stated by VW/Audi and major coolant suppliers to be mixable in small top‑up quantities, but long-term best practice is to maintain a single specification in the system.
• Emergency top-ups – If you are stranded, topping up with distilled water is usually safer than adding random coolant; the mixture can then be corrected or replaced at a workshop as soon as possible.
• Full system flushes – When switching from any older or unknown coolant to a modern spec (e.g., to G12evo), most professionals perform a complete flush with distilled water and then refill with the correct premix.

In practice, a small amount of mixing among late-generation G12-family coolants won’t usually destroy an engine, but deliberate, long-term mixing across generations or with generic “universal” coolants can reduce protection and lead to deposits or corrosion over time.

Concentrate vs. Premixed Coolant – And What to Mix It With

Audi-approved coolants are sold both as concentrates and as premixed solutions. Using the right dilution and water type is crucial to maintaining corrosion resistance, freeze protection and boiling-point elevation.

The key distinctions between concentrate and premix, and how to handle each, are outlined below.

• Concentrated coolant – Must be mixed with water, usually at 50:50 for temperate climates. In very cold regions, some owners and workshops use up to 60% concentrate, but exceeding that can actually reduce performance.
• Premixed coolant (ready-mix) – Already diluted with demineralized or distilled water, typically at a 50:50 ratio. This is the simplest option and reduces risk of improper mixing.
• Water quality – When diluting concentrate, use distilled, deionized or demineralized water (not tap water) to avoid mineral deposits, scaling and galvanic corrosion inside the cooling system.
• Checking freeze and boil protection – A simple hydrometer or refractometer can confirm that the coolant mix provides appropriate freezing and boiling margins for your climate.

By using the correct mixing ratio and high-quality water, you preserve the chemical balance that Audi’s engineers assumed when they specified the coolant in the first place.

How to Identify the Correct Coolant for Your Audi

Finding the exact coolant type for a given Audi model is straightforward if you know where to look and what codes to reference. This avoids reliance on color or generic shop advice, which can be inconsistent.

The following steps describe how owners can verify the right coolant, from documentation to labels and OEM part numbers.

1. Check the owner’s manual – The cooling-system section usually specifies either the “G” code (e.g., G13) or the VW TL 774 standard, and sometimes the Audi/VW part number for the approved coolant.
2. Inspect the coolant expansion tank and labels – Many Audi models have a label or warning sticker near the coolant reservoir specifying “Use only G12++/G13” or listing the VW TL 774 code.
3. Ask the Audi dealer parts department – Provide your VIN, and the dealer can tell you the exact factory-fill coolant and supply the approved product or equivalent.
4. Review reputable aftermarket catalogs – Major coolant brands (e.g., BASF/GLYSANTIN, Pentosin, etc.) publish detailed application guides mapping their products to VW TL 774 specifications.
5. Match the VW TL 774 code on the bottle – Do not rely solely on phrases like “suitable for European vehicles” or “meets or exceeds requirements” without a clear VW TL 774‑F/G/J/L approval listed.

By cross-checking these sources, you can confidently choose a coolant that matches Audi’s engineering requirements rather than guessing based on color or generic compatibility claims.

Service Intervals and When to Replace Audi Coolant

Audi’s modern coolants are long-life formulations, but that does not mean they last forever. Over time, corrosion inhibitors are consumed and pH can drift, reducing protection even if the fluid still looks clean and the level is stable.

Below are general guidelines and practical considerations for coolant replacement on Audi vehicles.

• Factory guidance – Many late-model Audi owner’s manuals treat coolant as “lifetime” under normal conditions, but dealers often recommend replacement roughly every 5–8 years, or 100,000–150,000 km, especially in harsh environments.
• Component replacement – Whenever a major cooling-system component (radiator, water pump, heater core, thermostat housing) is replaced, a significant portion of the coolant is usually renewed; some workshops take this as an opportunity for a complete change.
• Testing coolant condition – Workshops can use test strips or lab analysis to check pH and inhibitor levels, but for most owners, following time/mileage guidelines and visual inspections is sufficient.
• Signs of trouble – Rust-colored coolant, visible debris, oily film, repeated low-level warnings or unexplained overheating all justify immediate inspection and likely coolant replacement.
• EV and hybrid cooling systems – Electrified models sometimes have separate coolant circuits and may have slightly different service intervals; always consult the specific manual for those vehicles.

Regular coolant service, even with long-life Audi-approved formulations, helps prevent corrosion-related failures that are expensive and difficult to repair once they progress.

Consequences of Using the Wrong Coolant in an Audi

While many owners assume any “modern” coolant must be fine, using an unapproved or incompatible formulation in an Audi can create slow but serious damage. Problems often appear years after the wrong fluid was introduced, making them easy to underestimate.

The following list outlines potential risks associated with incorrect or mixed coolant types.

• Internal corrosion and pitting – Incompatible inhibitors can fail to protect aluminum heads, blocks and radiators, causing pitting and internal leaks over time.
• Scale and deposit formation – Minerals from tap water or mixed chemistries can form hard deposits on coolant passages, impairing heat transfer and causing hot spots.
• Water pump damage – Abrasive deposits and incorrect additive packs can wear seals and impellers prematurely, leading to leaks and noise.
• Clogged heater cores and radiators – Sludge formed by incompatible coolants can restrict flow, reducing cabin heat and causing localized overheating.
• Reduced boiling margin – Incorrect concentration or degraded fluid lowers the boiling point, making the car more prone to overheating under heavy load or hot weather.

These issues underline why Audi, VW and reputable coolant manufacturers emphasize using the specified VW TL 774 coolant grade instead of generic or “will fit” products.

Practical Recommendations for Audi Owners

For day-to-day ownership, the rules around Audi coolant can be condensed into a few straightforward practices that significantly reduce risk and complexity.

The recommendations below summarize the most practical steps owners can take to manage coolant correctly.

• Use OEM or fully approved equivalents – Genuine Audi/VW coolant from the dealer, or an aftermarket brand with explicit VW TL 774‑F/G/J/L approval, is the safest choice.
• Match what’s already in the car – If you know the current coolant type and it’s correct, stick with it for top-ups and future changes.
• Avoid universal or “all makes” coolants – Unless they provide explicit VW TL 774 approval, generic coolants may not offer the correct protection profile for Audi engines.
• Do not mix unknown coolants – When in doubt, have the system flushed and refilled with the proper, single-spec coolant instead of topping up onto an unknown mixture.
• Use distilled or deionized water when diluting – This prevents scaling and improves long-term system cleanliness.

Following these simple guidelines ensures that your Audi’s cooling system performs as designed, with minimal risk of long-term corrosion or overheating problems.

Summary

Audi uses specialized, long-life, silicate-free or Si-OAT engine coolants identified by internal codes such as G12+, G12++, G13 and the newest G12evo, each tied to a specific VW TL 774 standard. While these coolants are usually pink or purple, color alone is not a reliable guide; the critical information is the VW TL 774 specification and, ideally, the Audi/VW part number. Owners should rely on the owner’s manual, reservoir labels and dealer or reputable supplier guidance to select the correct coolant, avoid mixing incompatible types—especially older G11 or unknown “universal” formulas—and maintain proper concentration with distilled water. Used correctly and replaced at sensible intervals, Audi-approved coolants provide robust corrosion protection, stable operating temperatures and long service life for the brand’s modern, high-performance engines and advanced cooling systems.

What color is Audi antifreeze?

What Kind of Antifreeze Do I Need?

Color	Manufacturers/Compatibility
Yellow	All vehicles
Turquoise	Audi, BMW, and other European manufacturers
Pink or Blue	Audi, Porsche, and other European models
Purple	Stellantis vehicles (Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge)

Is Prestone coolant ok for Audi?

This coolant is suitable for all makes and all models of vehicle. It also mixes with any existing coolant currently in the system. Whether topping up or filling up, dilute with de-ionised water according to table below. To fill the entire coolant system we recommend you flush the system before adding Prestone.

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.

Which coolant to use for Audi A4?

Pentosin – Pentofrost NF (G11) Silicate European Concentrate Antifreeze / Coolant – 1.5 Liters (Part No. 8114117)