Freeze Protection, Checking

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2015 Audi S8, 2015 Audi A8 Quattro, 2014 Audi S8, 2014 Audi A8 Quattro, and 2013 Audi S8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools And Workshop Equipment Required

Refractometer T10007 A

Fig 1: Identifying Refractometer T10007 A
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

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

NOTE:

Freeze protection must be guaranteed down to -25°C, and in cold climate countries down to -36°C.

The amount of coolant additive must not exceed 55% (freeze protection to -48°C), otherwise the freeze protection will decrease and the cooling effect will worsen.

The coolant system should remain filled with freeze protection the entire year. A proper mixture ratio of coolant additive will prevent a build-up of calcium, freezing and corrosion damage and will raise 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.

Refractometer T10007 A must be used to determine the actual freeze protection.

Perform the following:

-- Use the pipette to put a drop of coolant on the refractometer glass, then close the cover glass.

A light-dark line is clearly visible on the "WATERLINE" scale.

-- Use the corresponding Refractometer T10007 A scale to determine the coolant freeze protection. To do this, read the value on the light-dark line.

NOTE:

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

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

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The scale -2- is designed only for coolant additive G13.

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

The temperature on the Refractometer T10007 A corresponds to the >>crystalization point<<. At this temperature, the first flakes of ice begin to form.

-- Modify the composition of the coolant, if necessary COOLANT LEVEL, CHECKING AND FILLING .

-- Check the freeze protection after the road test.

If the freeze protection is insufficient:

-- Drain the pressure difference and fill with coolant additive. Refer to COOLANT LEVEL, CHECKING AND FILLING .

NOTE:

Use suitable freeze protections.

G12++ and G13 may be mixed with the G11, G12 and G12+ coolant additives. However, this can worsen the corrosion protection.

Do not re-use used coolant.

Use only water/coolant additive as lubricant for the coolant hoses.