Quick answer
Volkswagen coolant: VW specifies coolant by the VW TL 774 standard. The current genuine coolant is G12evo (TL 774-L), which VW parts dealers say replaces G12, G12+, G12++ and G13. Match the TL 774 letter in your manual or service book.
Key takeaways
- Volkswagen coolant facts here are quoted from cited Volkswagen documents or labelled as coolant-maker claims.
- 20 products list a Volkswagen-family spec code. 8 more name Volkswagen in their application text (guidance only).
- Your owner's manual decides. Specs vary by model, engine, market and year.
- Do not choose by colour.
- Independent; not affiliated with Volkswagen.
What coolant does Volkswagen use?
Volkswagen coolant: VW specifies coolant by the VW TL 774 standard. The current genuine coolant is G12evo (TL 774-L), which VW parts dealers say replaces G12, G12+, G12++ and G13. Match the TL 774 letter in your manual or service book.
- Volkswagen Group coolants are specified by the VW TL 774 standard. The letter suffix defines the generation: febi lists TL 774-C (G11), D (G12), F (G12+), G (G12++), J (G13) and L (G12evo). [2]
- An authorised VW parts dealer lists genuine Volkswagen G12evo Ready-Mix (G12E050A2 1 L, G12E050A3 5 L) as approved to VW TL 774 and says it "fully replaces G12, G12+, G12++ and G13 coolants". [1]
- febi states its G12evo product meets TL 774-L and is "backwards-compatible" with TL 774-C, D, F, G and J. That is a coolant maker's claim. Confirm against your manual. [2]
Numbers in brackets refer to the sources at the end of this page. Lines without a number summarise coolant makers' literature rather than an Volkswagen document.
Genuine Volkswagen coolant in our directory
These are coolants sold by the vehicle maker or its parts brand. Each product page shows exactly what the source publishes, with "not published" where it is silent.
| Product | Brand | Chemistry | Colour | Form | Why it is listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen G12evo Ready-Mix Coolant | Volkswagen | not published | not published | Premix (ready to use) | Genuine / OE parts brand |
Volkswagen spec codes listed by coolant makers
These Volkswagen-family codes appear in the manufacturer data of the 20 products in our directory that list them. A code here means at least one coolant maker states its product meets it. Your manual tells you which code, if any, applies to your vehicle.
| Spec code | Products whose maker lists it |
|---|---|
| VW TL 774-G | 7 |
| VW TL 774-F | 4 |
| VW TL 774-D | 4 |
| VW TL 774 (variant not stated) | 3 |
| VW TL 774-C | 1 |
| VW TL 774-L | 1 |
| VW TL 774-J | 1 |
Coolants that list a Volkswagen spec (per their manufacturer)
Each row reads "meets [code] per [brand]". The wording ("approved", "meets or exceeds", "recommended") is quoted on the product page. Open it before you buy.
| Product | Brand | Chemistry | Colour | Form | Why it is listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACDelco DEX-COOL Extended Life Coolant (Australia/NZ) | ACDelco | OAT | Red | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-F |
| Castrol Radicool NF | Castrol | not published | not published | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-F |
| Castrol Radicool SF | Castrol | OAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-F |
| Castrol Radicool Si-OAT | Castrol | Si-OAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-G |
| Xstream G30 Antifreeze & Coolant Concentrate | Comma | OAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-D |
| Xstream G30 Antifreeze & Coolant Ready Mixed | Comma | OAT | not published | Premix 50/50 | Lists VW TL 774-D |
| Xstream G40 Antifreeze & Coolant Concentrate | Comma | Si-OAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-G |
| Xstream G40 Antifreeze & Coolant Ready Mixed | Comma | Si-OAT | not published | Premix 50/50 | Lists VW TL 774-G |
| Xstream G48 Antifreeze & Coolant Concentrate | Comma | IAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-C |
| Prestone MAX All Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant | Prestone | not published | Yellow | not published | Lists VW TL 774 (variant not stated) |
| Prestone Platinum All Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant | Prestone | not published | not published | Concentrate and Premix 50/50 | Lists VW TL 774 (variant not stated) |
| OEM Extended Life EURO I Antifreeze/Coolant | Recochem | HOAT | not published | Concentrate and Premix 50/50 | Lists VW TL 774-G |
| OEM Extended Life EURO II Antifreeze/Coolant | Recochem | HOAT | not published | Concentrate and Premix 50/50 | Lists VW TL 774-F |
| OEM Extended Life ORANGE Antifreeze/Coolant | Recochem | OAT | Orange | Concentrate and Premix 50/50 | Lists VW TL 774-D |
| Turbo Power Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant | Recochem | OAT | not published | Concentrate and Premix 50/50 | Lists VW TL 774-D |
| Shell Coolant Longlife Plus Concentrate | Shell | Si-OAT | Pink | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-G |
| Shell Coolant Longlife Plus Ready to Use | Shell | Si-OAT | Pink | Premix (ready to use) | Lists VW TL 774-G |
| Volkswagen G12evo Ready-Mix Coolant | Volkswagen | not published | not published | Premix (ready to use) | Lists VW TL 774 (variant not stated) |
| Zerex G40 Antifreeze Coolant | Zerex | not published | Pink | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-G, VW TL 774-J |
| febi Coolant G12evo | febi | Si-OAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists VW TL 774-L |
Coolants whose maker names Volkswagen (guidance only)
These products do not list a Volkswagen spec code, but their manufacturer's application text names Volkswagen (for example "recommended for Toyota, Honda, Nissan…"). That is a weaker claim than a spec code. Treat it as guidance, check the exact wording, and follow your manual.
Not sure which coolant your car takes?
Find your coolant →Colour and chemistry
Among the 29 products on this page, the listed colours are Pink (4), Violet (4), Blue (3), Yellow (1), Orange (1), Red (1), and the listed chemistries are Si-OAT (9), OAT (6), HOAT (4), IAT (1). Colour is a dye chosen by each maker, so two coolants of the same colour can be chemically different, and the same chemistry can come in different colours. Match the spec or the named factory coolant, not the colour. See coolant colours explained and OAT vs HOAT vs IAT.
Topping up and mixing
If the reservoir is low, top up only with the coolant your manual specifies, and use the same premix or concentrate ratio. Mixing chemistries can reduce corrosion protection and shorten coolant life. Some makers (Mopar, Mercedes-Benz) explicitly say not to mix specs. If an unknown coolant has been added, a flush and refill is safer than topping up. Use the mixing checker and our coolant flush guide. Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap.
Varies by model and year
Volkswagen has changed coolant specs over the years, and a spec can differ by engine and market (for example North America vs Europe). Electric and hybrid models may use separate loops with their own fluids. This page does not tell you which code applies to your vehicle. Your owner's manual, the reservoir cap label or a dealer does.
When to see a mechanic
See a dealer or qualified mechanic if the coolant looks rusty, oily or sludgy, if the engine overheats or the coolant warning light comes on, or if you cannot identify the correct spec. See coolant warning light and coolant leaks.
Frequently asked questions
What coolant does Volkswagen use?
Volkswagen coolant: VW specifies coolant by the VW TL 774 standard. The current genuine coolant is G12evo (TL 774-L), which VW parts dealers say replaces G12, G12+, G12++ and G13. Match the TL 774 letter in your manual or service book.
Which coolants meet Volkswagen specs?
20 products in our directory list a Volkswagen-family spec code, including Prestone MAX All Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant, Prestone Platinum All Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant, OEM Extended Life EURO I Antifreeze/Coolant, OEM Extended Life EURO II Antifreeze/Coolant. Each product page quotes the maker's wording.
Can I use a universal coolant in my Volkswagen?
Only if your owner's manual allows it, or if the product's maker states it meets the exact spec your manual names. "Universal" or "all makes" wording is not the same as a listed Volkswagen spec.
What colour is Volkswagen coolant?
Colour varies by product and era and is not a spec. Products on this page are listed as Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Violet, Blue. Match the spec or named coolant instead.
Is Coolant.com affiliated with Volkswagen?
No. Coolant.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen. We use the name only to say which vehicles a spec relates to.
New to cooling systems? Start with how a car cooling system works. Looking for a product? Search the coolant directory or match your manual's spec with Find my car coolant. See also coolant by car make and coolants by brand.