G12 coolant runs in most Volkswagen Group vehicles built from the late 1990s through about 2008-2009. You’ll find it spec’d for VW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and Bugatti models from that era. The pink or red fluid is built on Organic Acid Technology (OAT), which gives it a longer service life than the conventional green coolants that came before it.
This article reviews some best alternative coolants to replace your G12 from Ravenol (G12++, G13), Valvoline, and Pentosin. Interestingly, these alternatives are more affordable and deliver almost the same benefits as the OEM antifreeze.
G12 Through G12evo
G12 is an older designation but VW updated the formula several times.
G12/G12+/G12++ – Ethylene glycol base with OAT inhibitors. Pink or red color. G12+ improved on the original G12 formula, and G12++ extended service intervals further. These fluids carry VW spec TL774-D (G12), TL774-F (G12+), and TL774-G (G12++).
G13 – VW switched to a glycerin base to make the coolant more environmentally friendly since glycerin biodegrades faster than ethylene glycol. Purple or violet color. The problem is that G13 had issues with buildup and clogging in some cooling systems, particularly when mixed with older fluids or when service intervals were pushed too far.
G12evo – VW went back to ethylene glycol but kept the improved inhibitor package. Pink, fuchsia, or red color depending on the manufacturer. Also sold as HT-12 Pink. This is the current spec that supersedes everything before it.
G13 and G12evo can replace G12, G12+, or G12++ without issues. Running the opposite direction (putting G12 into a system that calls for G13 or G12evo) isn’t recommended because you’re downgrading the protection level.
Related: List of Approved Oils Meeting VW 502 00 Standard
Alternatives to G12 Coolant
RAVENOL OTC Concentrate Protect C12+ (G12+)
G12+ is free-silicate and based on ethylene glycol and carboxylate compounds.
RAVENOL OTC Concentrate Protect C12+ is a G12+ compatible coolant concentrate built on Organic Acid Technology (OAT) using monoethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol) as the base. The formula contains no silicates, borates, nitrites, or phosphates, making it suitable for long-life applications in aluminum-heavy cooling systems.
The concentrate comes violet (lila) in color and carries VW TL 774-F approval, which is the G12+ specification. Density sits at 1130 kg/m³ at 20°C, with a flash point above 110°C. The pH value ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 when mixed at 50% concentration, and reserve alkalinity measures greater than 5.5 ml 0.1n HCl.
Mix the concentrate with distilled or deionized water before use. For -37°C frost protection, you’re looking at a 50/50 mix. If you need protection down to -20°C, run 35% antifreeze to 65% water. For extreme cold down to -50°C, increase the ratio to 60% antifreeze and 40% water. At 50% concentration, the freezing point hits -37°C, while the undiluted boiling point ranges from 175°C to 187°C.
RAVENOL OTC Concentrate can mix with other OAT coolants, but avoid mixing it with MAN Type NF/N formulations. Flush the system before switching coolant types to prevent compatibility issues.
Also meets specifications for:
- Mercedes-Benz MB 325.3
- MAN 324 SNF
- Ford WSS-M97B44-D
G12++ (G12 Plus Plus) Coolant
G12++ (G12 Plus Plus) is almost the same as the G12+ coolant. However, it is formulated with much more advanced additives – silicate additives.
G12++ has been discontinued and replaced by newer coolants. VW introduced G12++ around 2006 as a Si-OAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) formulation meeting VW TL 774 G specification. The fluid was typically pink, though some batches appeared purple. The key change from earlier G12 versions was adding silicates to the OAT inhibitor package.
G13 initially replaced G12++ around 2008-2009, switching to a glycerin base for environmental reasons. However, G13 had issues with buildup and clogging, leading VW to develop G12evo as the current replacement. G12evo’s formulation is closer to G12++ than to G13, essentially bringing back the ethylene glycol base with improved inhibitors.
Note: G12+ and G12++ are not the best-suited coolants for newer VW and Audi vehicles.
G13-Compatible Coolant
G13 is the newest OEM equivalent of G12. This more recent coolant is formulated with silicate additives for maximum aluminum protection
RAVENOL LGC is a G13-compatible coolant concentrate using a hybrid formula that combines monoethylene glycol with 20% glycerin additive. The product uses Si-OAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) by blending glycerin and silicates with organic inhibitors for extended service life.
The concentrate comes violet (lila) in color and carries VW TL 774-J approval, which is the G13 specification. Density sits at 1140 kg/m³ at 20°C with a flash point of 110°C. The pH value hits 7.8 at 50% concentration, and reserve alkalinity measures 5.5 ml 0.1n HCl. At 50% mix, the freezing point drops to -35°C while the undiluted boiling point reaches 170°C.
Mix with distilled or deionized water before use. Flush the system before switching coolant types. RAVENOL claims this formula can mix with other coolant types, though compatibility depends on the specific formulations involved.
Don’t get confused. C13 is Ravenol’s branding while G13 is VW’s coolant specification. C13 is compatible with G13.
Also meets specifications for:
- VW G012A8FM1, G012A8FM8, G012A8GM9
- Audi, Skoda, Seat
Compatibility of G12, G12+ / G12++, and G13
G12+
G12++
G13
The table below shows the compatibilities and differences between G-series antifreeze.
Pentosin/ Pentofrost SF (without silicates)
The Pentosin coolant is an eco-friendly antifreeze. It does not contain amines, nitrites, phosphorus additives, and silicates
Pentofrost SF is a G12+ compatible antifreeze concentrate built for multipurpose applications in water-cooled engines. The formula is silicate-free and contains no nitrites, amines, or phosphorous additives, making it suitable for non-ferrous metals and aluminum cooling systems.
The concentrate comes pink and clear with a density of 1115 kg/m³ at 20°C. Flash point exceeds 110°C, and the undiluted boiling point tops 175°C. Water content maxes out at 5%, with a pH value of 8.0. At a 50/50 mix with water, the boiling point hits 109°C while the freezing point drops to -37°C.
Pentofrost SF meets ASTM D-3306 and carries VW TL 774 F approval, which is the G12+ specification. Mix the concentrate with distilled water at 50/50 for optimal freeze and corrosion protection.
Also meets specifications for:
- Ford WSS M97B44-D
- GM/Opel/Saab/Vauxhall (approved)
- Jaguar/Land Rover STJLR.651.5003
- Zeppelin/Caterpillar (approved)
- Porsche (multiple reference numbers)
Pros
- Manufactured to the OE applications
- Protects against cavitation and corrosion
- Meets ASTM D-3306 and TL 774 F specifications
Cons
- More expensive than the OEM coolant
- Does not contain premium additives
Zerex G30 Phosphate and Silicate Free
ZEREX G30 is phosphate-free and silicate-free antifreeze/coolant. It contains ethylene glycol for optimal protection.
Zerex G30 is a G12 compatible antifreeze concentrate built on Organic Acid Technology (OAT) using an ethylene glycol base. The formula contains no phosphates, silicates, borates, nitrates, amines, or nitrites. It meets silicate-free requirements for Japanese manufacturers and phosphate-free specs for European automakers.
The concentrate is dyed purple and carries VW TL-774D approval, which is the G12 specification. The undiluted product has a flash point of 250°F (121°C) and weighs 9.407 lbs per gallon at 60°F. At 50% dilution with water, the freezing point drops to -34°F (-36°C) while the boiling point reaches 265°F (128°C) with a standard 15 psig radiator cap.
Valvoline claims a service life of up to five years or 100,000+ miles. The product remains storage stable for five years as concentrate or diluted. Mix with distilled water at 50/50 for optimal protection.
Also meets specifications for:
- Mercedes-Benz MB 325.3
- Ford Europe WSS-M97B44-D
- Detroit Diesel DFS93K217ELC
- Deutz DQC CB-14
- MTU (approved)
- Fiat Chrysler MS-12106
- Cummins 90T8-4
- MAN 324 SNF
- Porsche/Audi
- Yanmar/Scania
Pros
- Contains a high-quality defoamer
- Service life of up to 150,000 miles or 5 years
- Provide better protection for hoses, gaskets, or plastics
- Cheap price
Cons
- Can only use for older vehicles
G13
Pentofrost SF
ZEREX G30
Related: Coolant Boiling In Reservoir: Causes & Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Summarily, these are the best G12 coolant equivalents in the market. However, it is important to reiterate the need to flush out your old coolant before pouring another different coolant.
I recommend you to stick to OEM coolant if your VW vehicle is under warranty. Otherwise, the dealer might void it.
When you want to look for a cheaper alternative, ZEREX G30 is a good equivalent option. However, Pentosin is more popular than ZEREX because it is OEM recommendation. But the high price makes it a big downside for the product. You can consider these factors to pick the right item for your VW.
ZEREX G30
Pentofrost SF
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