Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Cooling system, draining and filling: Filling
2004 Audi A8SECTION Filling
NOTE:
- The cooling system is filled all year round with a mixture of frost and corrosion protection additives and water.
- Use only coolant additive Plus G 012 A8F A1 (short: G12+) "according to TL VW 774 F". Other coolant additives may above all reduce the corrosion protection effect significantly. The damage resulting from this may lead to loss of coolant and consequently to severe engine damage.
- Coolant additive G12+ can be combined with additives G11 and G12.
- G12+ and coolant additives with the designation "according to TL VW 774 F" reduce frost and corrosion damage as well as lime deposits. They also raise the boiling point. For this reason the system must be filled all year round with frost and corrosion protection additives.
- Because of its high boiling point, the coolant improves engine reliability under heavy loads, particularly in countries with tropical climates.
- Protection against frost must be assured to about -25°C (in arctic climatic countries to about -35°C).
- The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water even in warmer seasons and in warmer countries. The coolant additive portion must be at least 40%.
- If for climatic reasons greater frost protection is required, the amount of G12+ can be increased, but only up to 60% (frost protection to about -40°C), otherwise frost protection and cooling effectiveness will be reduced.
- Only clean drinking water may be used for mixing coolant.
- If the radiator, heater core, cylinder head and cylinder head gasket or cylinder block is replaced, completely replace the engine coolant.
- Dirty coolant must not be re-used.
- For coolant G12+ , use refractometer T10007 to test frost protection in cooling system.
- Replace seal.
- Secure all hose connections using hose clamps appropriate for the model type .
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.