Hit small tree branch -went under car- didn't seem much but coolant warning light came on. Coolant showing as below minimum but still seems to be v small amount of fluid in top container !! Think this probably small amount that couldn't drain. No sign of leaking coolant in garage and stopped within 90 seconds of impact.i.e i was only this time from home !Ineed to know if can keep toppin up with water to get to Audi dealer THANKS
Ken gave you wrong information. You also need coolant in the summer. The reason is a engine runs at a temperature that will boil water. Coolant changes water in such a way under normal conditions it won't boil also coolant helps pull the heat out of the engine. This said you can top it up with water as long get it fixed asap and you keep a eye on it.
Water is fine since its warmer weather coolant is used mainly so it doesn't freeze as water would. You should be fine as long temps don't get below 32 degrees waters freezing point.
SOURCE: Coolant warning lights keeps coming on
Audi TT's only take G12 coolant (vw/audi propriatary formula) you can add some distilled water to the water level to prevent the light from coming on, but as you explained you keep adding fluid (of some kind) and the warning like returns. that's a little evident that you have a leak somewhere.
put some paper towels or something under your car when you park it for the evening. when you come out the next day, pull the car away from the spot and look at the paper towels. if they have orange drops, that's your G12 coolant leaking. like McMuff460 said, check all the clamps/hoses for signs of the leak. if you don't find anything i reccomend taking it to a shop for them to check out. Your water pump might be on it's way out.
Don't ever put any other fluid other than G12 coolant and distilled water into your car's coolant system. It will cause some major issues with seals, leaks, and cooling performance.
SOURCE: Audi A4 2.5 V6 TDI - Creamy grey coolant in expansion tank
Sounds like blown head gasket (or worse) still to me.
Remove oil filler cap and look for grey oil.
Never use water these days but special coolant. Water makes vapour spots and cause block cracks, worse then blown gaskets!!!
vapour does not cool very well.
Look like you have cracks already.
Take a compression test if possible. But might not show op at that temperature.
The gauge indication troubles me.
SOURCE: looking for procedure to properly bleed an audi A4
You didn't say what year the car is or what other diagnostics you've done lately...My guess is the radiator core is plugged...If you want to tackle it yourself, buy a Chiltons repair manual at AutoZone or NAPA stores ($25). I suspect you'll have to order the manual.
Good Luck
SOURCE: '02 Audi A4 is leaking coolant
I have an A4 quattro 2003 and have the same problem. Found hose at the top end of engine at the back close to the battery housing was leaking. Terribly awkward job to replace , been quoted £200.
SOURCE: My 2003 Audi A4 is overheating I drove about 2
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Thanks for asking, and good luck!
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