G12 coolant (Non Rover)

[roverbarmy]

The good lady has a VW Polo 2012 which takes G12 coolant (red/pink). Is that different to pink OAT? I have a 5l of neat OAT + a couple of litres of ready mixed OAT. Should I buy some G12??? I've seen references to HOAT???Hybrid Organic Acid Technology - Typical VW !!!
EDIT- I'll buy some G12, I dare not risk damaging the Boss's car!

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by roverbarmy

The good lady has a VW Polo 2012 which takes G12 coolant (red/pink). Is that different to pink OAT?

The G12 recipe is basically an OAT system using a mixture of ethylene glycol and glycerine as the antifreeze. The standard colour is purple. The worldwide glut of glycerine is the motivation behind G12 and similar 'green' coolant formulas. The glycerine glut is due to the collossal byproduct load from biodiesel manufacture. Of course, it was used in the early days before cheap EG production was established, but most people have forgotten that now. Nowadays, anything vegetable related is 'green' so it's a marketing angle that really has little merit. Around equal parts of glycerine and petrochemical sourced EG are used in G12 types. Oh and it costs rather more too, even though glycerine prices are rock bottom.

HOAT is a dual approach formula containing both organic acids (salts) and inorganic acids (salts). Different motor manufacturers specify a particular type based on engine metallurgy, polymer components, etc., etc., so places like Halfords are becoming more and more colourful in the antifreeze department.

There are lots of good articles on the different antifreeze types online if you need more.

TC