Question about off brand coolants...>>>
 

I am picking up my car today from the mechanics. The mechanic said, "Oh, by the way, the repair bill went up a little bit from $385 to $397." I asked him why, and he said because they put in long life coolant. I asked them why they did not put in recommended Audi brand G12 and he said that they have used the G05 coolant for a long time. Well, not that $12 is going to break the bank, but it's just the moral issue for me here that one; they didn't call me to tell me the bill was increasing, and two; that they did not used the recommeded coolant. Arrggh! Am I safe with the G05 coolant, or should I make them put in the correct stuff...on their dime?

G05 is Zerex...
 

FWIW....Hard to believe that's more than Pentosin!<ul><li><a href="http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=10">http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=10</a</li></ul>

So should I have the shop drain it and replace with G12?
 

yeah, seems a little pricey for Zerex. I used that stuff a long time ago when I had a little fiasco with not sealing the o-ring in the coolant temperature sensor and thusly leaking fluid all over. The mechanic I took it to then recommended G12 and nothing else.

I would flush G05 out, go G12 coolant for piece of mind.
 

Another FWIW...

Chemistry is important here for the head gasket and metal inside the engine.

...Use ONLY anti-phosphate anti-amine antifreeze in your Vw. This prevents scale and lime deposits from forming. Other coolants can clogs radiators, bulge hoses at connection points, and weakens plastic sections of your cooling system (see image below). Changing your Vw antifreeze with anti-phospate anti-amine coolant helps extend engine life! This is most easily done when replacing your timing belt.
______________________________________

Extended long life.

Pentosin is an nitrite, amine, phosphate free Vw antifreeze fluid

Prevents corrosion. It's natural to and doesn't harm metals, rubber, and plastics.

Superior cold temperature performance with freezing protection up to -37° C

This high performance Vw antifreeze dissipates heat more effectively than conventional antifreeze and raises the boiling point.

G12 is not so good. I'd keep the G05 or swap it for the newer purple G12+ Audi/VW stuff
 

if you're concerned about warranty or remaining on a stock'ish fluid.

Well, ok, so Audi says use only G12, but...
 

is that really only a marketing ploy to get one to keep buying G12? Surely not every auto repair shop stocks specific coolant brands just because the auto maker said to use a particular coolant. Just to be on the safe side I did have the shop drain the Zerex and replace with G12.

I have yet to hear of anyone who's had problems with other coolants >>
 

Including my friend the VW mechanic.