MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: jh4610 on August 21, 2011, 07:37:14 am

Title: General looking after the gti
Post by: jh4610 on August 21, 2011, 07:37:14 am

I'm still new to the whole looking after of cars thing.

So I was just wondering what sort of checks and servicing everyone does to keep their cars working well?

Cheers J

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: bacillus on August 21, 2011, 11:45:03 am

Assuming you get your car serviced on time then just the basics like checking oil and coolant levels plus looking at your tyre pressures forthnightly.

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: janus909GTI on August 21, 2011, 04:12:32 pm

how do i check my coolant levels, i have a feeling my engine is working over time to cool down....ive not got manual, lost by previous owner....

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 21, 2011, 04:46:58 pm

Quote from: janus909GTI on August 21, 2011, 04:12:32 pm

how do i check my coolant levels, i have a feeling my engine is working over time to cool down....ive not got manual, lost by previous owner....

Check the coolant level in the header tank at the back left of your engine bay  :happy2:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2F2968Gsi_Mike%2FAwesome_open_day%2FP1020278.jpg&hash=55965f31353c898c9c84b9d0678d76e445ebde3d)

Should have a 'steam' icon on it  :happy2:

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: janus909GTI on August 21, 2011, 04:49:03 pm

that big white ball??? what do i fill it up with???

how can i check if its empty or not?

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 21, 2011, 04:53:44 pm

Yes the 'white ball'  There is a "min & max" level mark.  Your coolant should be between the marks.

Coolant is available from motor factors, Halfords, Main Dealerships as said below pink VW sepc coolant. etc etc

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: janus909GTI on August 21, 2011, 05:10:52 pm

good...not water than as thats what i was about to fill it up with, phew!

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 21, 2011, 05:13:48 pm

Quote from: janus909GTI on August 21, 2011, 05:10:52 pm

good...not water than as thats what i was about to fill it up with, phew!

Water would serve as an emergency temporary measure if caught short and below well below 'Min'

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: jh4610 on August 21, 2011, 07:10:53 pm

Quote from: bacillus on August 21, 2011, 11:45:03 am

Assuming you get your car serviced on time then just the basics like checking oil and coolant levels plus looking at your tyre pressures forthnightly.

Yeah thats what I was thinking cheers for the help. :happy2:

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: apples12 on August 23, 2011, 04:40:21 am

Please please try to stick to vw's own pink g12++ coolant, its about 12 quid for a litre from the dealers and dilutes to 4/5 times that if i remember right.

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: Andy01 on August 23, 2011, 11:13:27 pm

Worth keeping the bonnet latch well greased, they have been known to seize up !  :happy2:

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: Jungle_Faced_Jake on August 24, 2011, 12:29:25 am

Quote from: Andy on August 23, 2011, 11:13:27 pm

Worth keeping the bonnet latch well greased, they have been known to seize up !  :happy2:

Mine gone a bit stiff (the latch that is!!!!) so how do you apply grease to it?

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: Andy01 on August 25, 2011, 06:22:58 pm

ha , just get a load of it on your hand and rub it into the latch on the bonnet then move the latch plenty of times and it should just free up  :happy2:

Title: Re: General looking after the gti
Post by: Frenzy on August 26, 2011, 06:24:56 pm

Quote from: apples12 on August 23, 2011, 04:40:21 am

Please please try to stick to vw's own pink g12++ coolant, its about 12 quid for a litre from the dealers and dilutes to 4/5 times that if i remember right.

I take it i'd be okay buying this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Audi-VW-G12-Plus-Coolant-1-5Ltr-G012A8GM1-/140479553899?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item20b53be16b

TIA  :happy2: