Engine Coolant

[Linzlad]

This is going to sound silly but is all coolant orange? i had my light flash on and it was below the min mark so i bought some anti-freeze and coolant but it was blue and whats in there is orange!! i added it as i thought it was very little compared to whats in there, hope i haven't done any damage!!

 

[Skipton01]

Don't worry - coolant comes in a few colours, with blue being very common.

A lot of the time, the orange colour can arise from the coolant absorbing iron from the cylinder liners, in just the same way as you sometimes see a reddish coloured stream, where the water absorbs minerals from the river or stream bed.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Linzlad]

Don't worry - coolant comes in a few colours, with blue being very common.

A lot of the time, the orange colour can arise from the coolant absorbing iron from the cylinder liners, in just the same way as you sometimes see a reddish coloured stream, where the water absorbs minerals from the river or stream bed.

Cheers,

Mike

oh thank god lol! i was slightly worried! the level of coolant wouldn't affect my air con would it as very recently and even now it blows warmish air at 21oC and it used to be quite chilly or maybe it just needs a air con service thing?!
cheers
Linzi

 

[Skipton01]

The coolant levels will have no effect on your climate control - that is entirely dependant on the compressor and coolant gas, which sometimes needs topping up. This can only be done (reliably) by a specialist.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[spike]

Hi Linzlad
Audi specify their own brand G12 antifreeze which is a reddish colour. The owners handbook states this should not be mixed with other antifreexe types. As you have only added a very small ammount the blue antifreeze then i'm sure no harm has been done but if you need to top up again, buy the genuine Audi G12 and mix it 50/50 with distilled water.
Regarding the aircon, it could need regassing as Skipton indicated or it could be a sensor problem. A diagnostic scan would pinpoint the sensor fault so have this checked out before considering a regass.

Cheers Spike