Help Please G12 coolant

[irenemac]

A wee red light next to the temperature guage on my dashboard flashes and gthen I get a short series of beeps - I have discovered that it is probably the coolant at a low level.. (after trawling the net and finding this site).
Lost/misplaced my handbook when moving...............I am a bit of a novice in this department

Can I just top this up with sterile water or must I also add some G12 as well. How do I find out what type of G12 is already in there?

What ratio should I use if buying G12 - oh and where can I buy it................

Sorry to ask so many questions of you all

Thank you for viewing

Seat Leon Y reg Mk 1

Ta muchos

 

[lc_allan]

You can buy coolant premixed any way. Just go to halfords.

 

[irenemac]

Thanks for the info - much appreciated - I'll hotfoot it down there now
Ta again

 

[stewbie55]

The coolant light is a common "feature" for the Leon.

Usually the coolant level is OK but a certain level of corrosion has built up on the sensor prongs in the expansion tank, causing the light to come on especially when the engine is cold.

Cleaning the prongs (I just rubbed a flat blade screwdriver up and down them) fixes the problem

 

[cordobabrendy]

Be careful as this is also a symptom of your waterpump packing up. If it is you will be over heating soon when steadily driving at mway speeds yet it drops back down when you drop to 50-60mph.

 

[DPJ]

Halfords DON'T sell G12.

Buy G12+ from the Seat or VW dealer. Dilute to 50%

 

[cordobabrendy]

halfords sell premixed screenwash, never seen premixed coolant.

 

[lc_allan]

halfords sell premixed screenwash, never seen premixed coolant.

I got some from them but it was over 2 years ago. Never had to use much on any car really inbetween services.

Edit but as others have said you should use the G12 (+ Purple I think) coolant from the dealers.

 

[storeyd]

Technically you can use any type of coolant, but you loose your warranty if you don't use G12. Thats why VAG color it pink and must make fortunes off it.

If you can't get G12 and need to top up, there is no harm topping up with water. Just enough to stop the warning will do. Make sure you measure the amount you put in. When you get the G12 put the same amount in (50/50 mix). If you need any more then top up with 50/50 ratio.