My dad just replaced the engine in a 98 A6 that the customer ran all of the original antifreeze out of. My A6 takes the G11 stuff and it didn't keep the water pump from almost locking up and the head gaskets from leaking. I have replaced many Vanagon cylinder heads that only had the blue coolant in it (including an old one I had where the heads were toast by 110K). And since 99.9% of every GM product out there needs an intake resealed, they do get low, and do get gunked up. Incidentally, Dexcool is total garbage! When it comes in contact with air, it creates a horrible muddy sludge that plugs stuff up. The fluids on these cars may cost more, but if you stick with them, it will pay off in the longevity of the car. I feel the Castrol 5w40 Syntec is adequate, and I don't think anyone should fear using it, but I am sure any quality 5w40 synthetic will keep your TDI alive for a very, very, long time. Volkswagen also uses special synthetic power steering fluid in most of its cars (some of the older ones used ATF dexron). Also, you cannot mix the blue and red coolants together!!! My mom has an '87 Vanagon, always had the blue stuff, heads never been off, 150k miles. It is why my '91 Jetta has been so good for over 300k miles.always had the blue stuff in it. The blue coolant is still available from VW/Audi dealers, although you may have to order it. The red stuff takes it one step further, as it is an "OAT" coolant, organic acid technology, that improves its longevity, as well as lubricating properties (for the coolant pump). If you mixed the two, you got corrosive gunk that eats aluminum (ever seen a Vanagon waterboxer's cylinder head?). It used to be the blue phosphate-free ethylene glycol based stuff, whereas the generaic "green" coolant is propylene glycol based. For the record, Volkswagen has specified special coolant since they have had radiators.
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