Freeze Protection, Checking

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 19 other vehicles, including the 2017 Audi S5, 2017 Audi A5 Quattro, 2016 Audi S5, 2016 Audi A5 Quattro, and 2015 Audi S5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Refractometer:T10007A

Fig 1: Identifying Refractometer T10007 A
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The refractometer scale -1- is designed for coolant additives G11, G12, G12 Plus and G12 Plus Plus.

Fig 2: Identifying Scales On Refractometer: Coolant Additive G12 Plus -1- And Coolant Additive G13 -2-

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The scale -2- is designed only for coolant additive -G 13-.

WARNING:

The coolant reservoir is under pressure. Open only when the engine is cold.

NOTE:

The coolant portion of the mixture must amount to at least 40% (freeze protection down to -13° F (-25 °C)) and should not exceed 60%, otherwise the freeze protection will be reduced and the cooling efficiency will be worsened.

Freeze protection must be guaranteed to approximately -13° F (-25 °C) (approximately -33° F (-36 °C) in countries with an arctic climate).

The engine coolant system should be filled with freeze protection year round. Coolant additive prevents freeze and corrosion damage, scaling, and raises the boiling point.

Especially in countries with tropical climates or when vehicle is driven under heavy load, the coolant improves the engine reliability by its increased boiling point.

The Refractometer:T10007A must be used to determine the actual freeze protection.

If it cannot be guaranteed that the coolant additive will be filled unmixed: always use the G13 scale to determine the freeze protection.

-- Place a drop of coolant on the glass on the refractometer using a pipette.

-- Determine the concentration of the coolant additive using the Refractometer:T10007A .

The bright/dark limit is now clearly recognizable on the "WATERLINE" and shows the actual frost protection. Read the value on the bright/dark limit.

-- Check the freeze protection after the road test.

If the freeze protection is insufficient:

-- Drain the amount of the difference and fill with coolant additive G12 Plus Plus conforming to "TL 774 G" or G13 conforming to "TL 774 J". Refer to COOLANT LEVEL, CHECKING AND FILLING .