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Low Coolant
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 1:48 pm
by Flashredpolo
On my way home just now my 2018 GTI threw a low coolant light on the dash and upon inspection it had dipped below the minimum line. I've since refilled it and car car is fine again. What reason would it be using coolant like this? Could it be the thermostat leak you hear about on the Golf GTI/R?
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:00 pm
by RUM4MO
You will really need to examine under the bonnet to see where there are traces of coolant leaking out, including the radiator.
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:58 pm
by Maarten
Has it ever been changed since new?
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 4:30 pm
by SRGTD
@Flashredpolo - My guess would be water pump and / or thermostat housing, but as @RUM4MO has said, check for evidence of leaks - and dried coolant residue deposits - in the engine compartment.
Has the coolant level gone down gradually over time or has it just suddenly dropped?
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 5:25 pm
by Flashredpolo
I've had the car since 2021 with 16k on the clock. I'm guessing the thermostat has never been changed. I'm unsure if it was a sudden drop but I did top it up about 2 months ago. Where abouts should I be looking for the coolant residue?
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 6:59 pm
by Mike222
I had a similar problem with my 2020 gti + it turned out to be the water pump ( apparently not uncommon on EA 888 engine ! )
My car had done 12000 miles and was TWO days out of warranty. Cost me over £600 !!!
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2023 8:50 am
by grazuncle2
That's Sick!
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2023 7:32 pm
by Johntheo1
Put a sheet of (white, preferably) paper underneath the engine as soon as you park up.
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:39 pm
by Flashredpolo
Just thought I'd give an update on the coolant leak.
Got the car seen by the dealer over the last weekend and they confirmed the water pump was leaking and it needed replacing. Luckily they agreed to do it through my All-in warranty so didn't cost me a penny and I got to Enjoy a Skoda Karoq for 3 days while they did the work. The all-in warrany has definitely paid for itself. Would've been just shy of £1000 job
Re: Low Coolant
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2023 1:16 pm
by SRGTD
Flashredpolo wrote: Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:39 pm
Just thought I'd give an update on the coolant leak.
Got the car seen by the dealer over the last weekend and they confirmed the water pump was leaking and it needed replacing. Luckily they agreed to do it through my All-in warranty so didn't cost me a penny and I got to Enjoy a Skoda Karoq for 3 days while they did the work. The all-in warrany has definitely paid for itself. Would've been just shy of £1000 job
Good outcome!

. It’s good to hear of cases like this where the warranty paid for your water pump replacement without issue.