Some car owners have reported using G40 coolant without any issues in vehicles that require G13.
But can you use G40 coolant instead of G13? This is not recommended by manufacturers. Using the wrong type of coolant can potentially cause damage to your vehicle’s engine, as the coolant may not provide the necessary protection and lubrication.
So, what should you do if you’re not sure which type of coolant to use? The best course of action is to refer to your car’s owner’s manual or consult with a certified mechanic. They will be able to advise you on which type of coolant is best suited to your vehicle’s specific make and model.
Now, let’s know about G13 and G40 Coolant.
Can You Use G40 Coolant Instead Of G13?
Manufacturers strongly advise against using G40 coolant in place of G13 coolant. Some car owners have switched to G40 in some cases. And they did so without experiencing any problems right away. But this substitution might lead to potential long-term damage to your vehicle’s engine.
Manufacturers design specific coolant types like G13 for optimal engine performance and protection. It is strongly advised to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the coolant that is appropriate for your car. This helps minimize any chance of harm. This ensures your engine receives the necessary protection and maintains its optimal functioning.
Is G40 Coolant The Same As G13?
G40 coolant is not the same as G13 coolant. They differ in composition and application. G40 is an HOAT coolant. It suits specific Audi and Volkswagen models. It excels in extreme temperatures with a lower freezing point.
Meanwhile, G13 is an ethylene glycol-based coolant for modern European cars. It offers superior corrosion protection, compatibility with engine components, and a higher boiling point. G40 isn’t compatible with older systems with copper/brass components. It needs additives. But G13 requires periodic flushing to remove deposits. Yet It may struggle in extreme climates.
What is G13 Coolant?
G13 coolant is a type of engine coolant that is specifically designed to meet the needs of certain European car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. It is also sometimes referred to as “VW G13” or “Audi G13.”
One of the key features of G13 coolant is its long-life formula. Unlike some other coolants that may need to be replaced every couple of years, the G13 coolant is designed to last for up to five years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. This can be particularly beneficial for those who want to minimize the frequency of their car’s maintenance needs.
Another important aspect of G13 coolant is that it is free of nitrites, amines, and phosphates. These chemicals are commonly found in other types of engine coolant, but can potentially cause corrosion or other issues in certain types of engines. By avoiding these chemicals, G13 coolant is able to provide better protection and lubrication for your engine over the long term.
What is G40 Coolant?
G40 coolant is a type of engine coolant that is commonly used in certain European car models, including newer models of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. It is also sometimes referred to as “MB G40” or “BMW G40.”
One of the key features of G40 coolant is that it is free of silicates. Silicates are chemicals that are commonly found in other types of engine coolant, but can potentially cause corrosion or other issues in certain types of engines.
By avoiding silicates, G40 coolant like – Zerex G40 is able to provide better protection and lubrication for your engine over the long term.
Another important aspect of G40 coolant is that it is designed to be long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to five years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. This can help minimize the frequency of your car’s maintenance needs and provide peace of mind for drivers.
Differences Between G40 and G13 Coolants: G40 vs G13
Let’s see the differences between G40 and G13.
| Spec/Feature | G13 Coolant | G40 Coolant |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Compatibility | Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche | Mercedes-Benz, BMW |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 years or 150,000 miles | Up to 5 years or 150,000 miles |
| Chemicals | Free of nitrites, amines, and phosphates | Free of silicates |
| Corrosion Protection | Provides optimal protection for aluminum and magnesium alloys | Provides optimal protection for aluminum and magnesium alloys |
| Lubrication | Provides optimal lubrication for water pump bearings and other engine components | Provides optimal lubrication for water pump bearings and other engine components |
| Color | Pink | Yellow |
| Freeze Point | -37°C (-34°F) | -37°C (-34°F) |
| Boiling Point | 175°C (347°F) | 170°C (338°F) |
| Manufacturer Recommendation | Recommended by Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche | Recommended by Mercedes-Benz and BMW |
A Detailed Explanation Of The Comparison Table
Here is the detailed explanation of each feature mentioned in the comparison table.
Vehicle Compatibility
One of the significant differences between G13 and G40 coolants is their vehicle compatibility. G13 coolant is recommended for use in Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche vehicles, whereas G40 is recommended for use in Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles.
Lifespan
Both G13 and G40 coolants have a lifespan of up to five years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it is essential to note that factors such as driving conditions, climate, and usage patterns can affect the coolant’s lifespan.
Chemicals
G13 coolant is free of nitrites, amines, and phosphates, which makes it an environmentally friendly coolant. In contrast, the G40 coolant is free of silicates, which makes it compatible with aluminum and magnesium alloys commonly used in Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles.
Corrosion Protection
Both G13 and G40 coolants provide optimal protection for aluminum and magnesium alloys. G13 coolant provides better protection against corrosion than G40 coolant and is specifically designed to protect engine parts from corrosion.
Lubrication
Both G13 and G40 coolants provide optimal lubrication for water pump bearings and other engine components. Lubrication is essential for the proper functioning of engine components and helps reduce wear and tear.
Color
G13 coolant is pink in color, while G40 coolant is yellow. The color of the coolant does not affect its performance but can help identify the type of coolant used in the engine.
Freeze Point
Both G13 and G40 coolants have a freeze point of -37°C (-34°F), making them suitable for use in cold climates. The freezing point indicates the temperature at which the coolant freezes, which can cause engine damage if not suitable for the climate.
Boiling Point
The boiling point of G13 coolant is 175°C (347°F), while that of G40 coolant is 170°C (338°F). The boiling point indicates the temperature at which the coolant boils, which can cause the engine to overheat if the boiling point is too low.
Manufacturer Recommendation
G13 coolant is recommended by Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche, while G40 coolant is recommended by Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
The manufacturer’s recommendation is based on the specific requirements and characteristics of the engine, and using the recommended coolant can help ensure proper engine performance and longevity.
How to switch from G40 to G13 coolant? Step By Step
Switching from G40 to G13 coolant involves more than simply adding the new coolant to your vehicle’s cooling system. It is important to follow the proper procedures to ensure that the new coolant is compatible with your engine and that all of the old coolant is removed.
Here are the steps to follow when switching from G40 to G13 coolant:
Step-1: Flushing and draining the cooling system
Before adding the new coolant, you must flush and drain the old coolant from your engine. This involves removing the radiator cap and draining the old coolant into a container.
You should also remove the thermostat and flush the system with clean water to remove any remaining traces of the old coolant.
Step-2: Choosing the correct coolant
Once the system is flushed and drained, it’s time to choose the correct coolant. G13 coolant is recommended for most modern Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, but you should always consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic to ensure that the coolant you choose is compatible with your engine.
G13 coolant is a long-life coolant that contains organic acids, which help to prevent corrosion and scale buildup in the cooling system.
Step-3: Filling the system with the new coolant
Once you have chosen the correct coolant, you can fill the cooling system with the new coolant. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct ratio of coolant to water, which is usually 50/50.
Be sure to fill the system slowly and carefully to prevent air bubbles from forming.
After filling the system with the new coolant, you should run the engine for a few minutes to ensure that the coolant circulates properly. Check the coolant level and top off if necessary.
Finally, check for any leaks in the system and make any necessary repairs before driving your vehicle.
Related Readings:
- Can I Use Yellow Coolant Instead Of Green
- What Can I Use Instead Of G12 Coolant
- Can I Use Yellow Coolant Instead Of Orange
Can you mix G40 coolant with G13?
Technically, you can mix G40 coolant with G13 coolant in an emergency situation. However, it is not recommended to do so for several reasons.
Reason 1: Mixing different types of coolant can alter the chemical properties of the coolant, which can result in corrosion, deposits, and other issues that can cause damage to your engine.
Reason 2: Mixing different types of coolant can also reduce the effectiveness of the coolant, which can cause your engine to overheat and potentially cause damage.
Therefore, it is important to use the recommended coolant for your specific vehicle and to never mix different types of coolant.
If you are unsure about which type of coolant to use, it is always best to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for advice. By using the correct coolant for your vehicle, you can ensure that your engine is protected and running smoothly.
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Coolants? Learn more from this video –
Wrap Up!
Using the wrong type of coolant can cause serious damage to your engine. While it may be possible to use G40 coolant instead of G13 in a pinch, it is not recommended.
To ensure the longevity and performance of your engine, it is best to always use the recommended type of coolant for your specific vehicle.