What antifreeze to fill in ŠKODA Kodiaq: original, analogues and replacement instructions

Introduction: Why choosing antifreeze for your Kodiaq is critical

Engine ŠKODA Kodiaq is a complex system where the temperature during operation reaches 90–110°C. Without high-quality antifreeze, metal parts risk overheating, and aluminum cylinder heads risk deforming. But it's not just overheating that's a problem: the wrong coolant can cause corrosion, deposits in the radiator, or even failed seals.

Owners Kodiaq (especially with motors 1.5 TSI, 2.0 TSI or 2.0 TDI) are often faced with the question: what kind of antifreeze is poured in from the factory, is it possible to mix different types and how often to change it. A mistake in choice can result in repairs for 150–300 thousand rubles — this is how much it costs to replace a broken cylinder head gasket or radiator due to the aggressive composition of the coolant. In this article we will analyze original articles, acceptable analogues, system volume for different engines and replacement nuances.

Original antifreeze for ŠKODA Kodiaq: part numbers and specifications

Factory ŠKODA uses coolant that meets the standard VW TL 774-G (for models up to 2018) and updated VW TL 774-J (since 2018). This hybrid antifreezes based on ethylene glycol with a package of organic and inorganic additives. Original articles:

• 🔹 G13 (purple) — G 013 A8J M1 (concentrate, 1.5 l) or G 013 A8J M0 (ready solution, 1.5 l). Suitable for everyone Kodiaq since 2017.
• 🔹 G12++ (red) — G 012 A8F M1 (concentrate). Used in early batches until 2018.
• 🔹 G12 Evo (lilac) — G 012 EVM M1. Analogue G13, but with an improved formula for turbo engines.

Important: G13 compatible with G12++ and G12 Evo, but cannot be mixed with G11 (green) or G12 (red old style). Color is a secondary sign: focus on VW TL 774-J specification, and not on the shade of the liquid.

⚠️ Attention: On canisters of original antifreeze ŠKODA/VW there should be a hologram and an inscription "Made in Germany". Counterfeits are often sold with typos in the article number (for example, G 013 A8J M1 instead of G 013 A8J M1 - pay attention to the letters!).

Analogues of the original antifreeze: what can be filled

If the original antifreeze G13 not available, certified analogues with markings can be used VW TL 774-J. Best options:

Brand	Article	Type	Color	Volume
Liqui Moly	KFS 2001 Plus	Concentrate	Purple	1.5 l
Motul	Inugel Optimal	Ready solution	Lilac	1 l / 5 l
CoolStream	Premium G13	Concentrate	Purple	1 l
Febi	33610	Ready solution	Red (G12++)	1.5 l

When choosing an analogue, check:

• 📌 Availability of certificate VW TL 774-J on the packaging.
• 📌 Compatible with aluminum parts (specified in the description).
• 📌 No silicates (for G13 their content should be ≤ 0.1%).

Prohibited use antifreeze with boric acid or amines - they destroy gaskets and pipes Kodiaq. Also avoid generic fluids like "For all cars" without specific specification.

Antifreeze volume in ŠKODA Kodiaq: data for different engines

Total volume of the cooling system Kodiaq depends on the type of engine and gearbox. For a complete replacement (with flushing) you will need:

Engine	System volume (l)	Notes
1.5 TSI (150 hp)	6.5–7.0	With automatic transmission - 0.3 liters more
2.0 TSI (190/245 hp)	7.5–8.0	For RS versions - up to 8.2 l
2.0 TDI (150/190 hp)	7.0–7.5	With system AdBlue — +0.2 l

When partial replacement (draining through the radiator cap) ~40–50% of the total volume goes away. For a complete replacement you will need two drain-fill cycles or the use of pneumatic equipment (at a service station).

⚠️ Attention: B Kodiaq with motor 2.0 TSI (245 hp) An additional charge air cooler is installed. When replacing antifreeze, it also needs to be washed - otherwise the remnants of the old fluid will mix with the new one and reduce its properties.

When to change antifreeze in a ŠKODA Kodiaq: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations ŠKODA prescribes replacement of antifreeze:

• 🔧 Every 5 years or 200,000 km (whichever comes first) - for G13.
• 🔧 Every 3 years or 150,000 km - for G12++.

However, there are cases when replacement needs to be done ahead of schedule:

• 🚨 The antifreeze has become cloudy or brown (a sign of corrosion).
• 🚨 Flakes or sediment have appeared in the expansion tank.
• 🚨 The fluid level drops more than once every 2 months (leakage is possible).
• 🚨 After engine repair or replacement of pipes.

You can check the condition of the antifreeze using test strips (for example, Liqui Moly Kuhlerfrostschutz Test-Streifen) or a refractometer. Normal indicators:

• 📊 Freezing point: −35°C and below.
• 📊 pH: 7.5–11 (if the value is < 7 - urgent replacement!).

What happens if you don't change the antifreeze?

Aging of additives leads to the formation of a gel, which clogs the radiator channels and pump. In critical cases, this causes engine overheating and cylinder head deformation. On Kodiaq With turbo engines, the risk is especially high - due to elevated temperatures in the system.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing antifreeze in a ŠKODA Kodiaq

To replace you will need:

• 🔧 New antifreeze (G13 or certified equivalent).
• 🔧 Distilled water (10–15 liters for rinsing).
• 🔧 Set of keys (head on 13 mm for the drain plug).
• 🔧 Container for drainage (volume ≥ 8 l).
• 🔧 Gloves and rags.

Step 1. Preparation

Place the car on a flat surface (preferably on a lift or overpass). Allow the engine to cool - the antifreeze temperature should not exceed 50°C. Open the hood and remove the expansion tank cap (slowly to relieve pressure!).

Step 2: Drain the old antifreeze

The drain plug is located on the bottom of the radiator (driver's side). Place the container and unscrew the cap with the key to 13 mm. After draining the main volume, move the container under the engine block - there is a second plug there (on some models there is none, then the antifreeze is drained only from the radiator).

Step 3: Flush the system

Close the drain plugs and fill with distilled water to the level MAX in the expansion tank. Start the engine and let it run 10 minutes at idle speed (the heater should be turned on at maximum). Drain the water and repeat the procedure 2-3 times until the drained liquid becomes clear.

Step 4. Add new antifreeze

If you use concentrate, mix it with distilled water in proportion 1:1 (for the climate of Russia). Fill the liquid through the expansion tank to the mark MAX. Start the engine, warm it up to operating temperature (the fan should work 2-3 times). Add antifreeze to the level and close the lid.

Check the article number of the new antifreeze for compliance with VW TL 774-J|

Prepare a container for draining with a volume of ≥ 8 l|

Buy distilled water (at least 10 l)|

Cool the engine to ≤ 50°C|-->

Common mistakes when replacing antifreeze and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that shorten the life of antifreeze or damage the cooling system. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. 🔴 Mixing incompatible types. For example, G13 with G11 leads to the formation of sediment, which clogs the stove radiator. Always use liquids one specification.
2. 🔴 Incomplete drainage of old antifreeze. Up to 20–30% of liquid remains in the system, which worsens the properties of the new one. Solution: flush the system 3 times distilled water.
3. 🔴 Using tap water. Chlorine and salts are corrosive. Only distilled water!
4. 🔴 Overfilling or underfilling. Level up MAX will cause fluid to be squeezed out through the valve below MIN - to overheating. Optimal: between marks.
5. 🔴 Ignoring air pockets. After replacing, check the operation of the stove - if cold air is blowing, the plug remains. It can be eliminated by warming up the engine with the reservoir cap open.

Specifics Kodiaq: In models with 2.0 TSI and DSG antifreeze circulates through the box heat exchanger. When replacing fluid in an automatic transmission (for example, DQ381) some of the antifreeze will get into the system - it also needs to be updated!

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about antifreeze in ŠKODA Kodiaq

Is it possible to mix G13 antifreeze with G12++?

Yes, G13 and G12++ compatible with each other, since both comply with the standard VW TL 774-J. However, it is not recommended to mix them in the long term - it is better to continue with one type until the next replacement.

What kind of antifreeze is included in the 2023 Kodiaq from the factory?

From 2018 on everyone ŠKODA Kodiaq used G13 (purple) with article number G 013 A8J M1 (concentrate). In finished form - G 013 A8J M0.

What should I do if the antifreeze in my Kodiaq turns brown?

Brown color indicates corrosion or destruction of additives. Required:

1. Drain old antifreeze.
2. Flush the system special cleaner (for example, Liqui Moly Kuhler-Reiniger).
3. Fill with new antifreeze G13.
4. After 1,000 km, check the color of the fluid - if it darkens again, the problem is rust in the radiator or block.

How much does it cost to replace antifreeze at a service center?

Cost of work in official services ŠKODA:

• 💰 Partial replacement: 1 500–2 500 ₽.
• 💰 Complete replacement with flushing: 3 000–5 000 ₽.
• 💰 Cooling system diagnostics: 1 000–1 500 ₽.

Replacing it yourself will cost 2 000–3 000 ₽ (cost of antifreeze + distilled water).

How to check the antifreeze level in Kodiaq?

The level is checked for cold engine on the expansion tank (white translucent tank with a lid, marked with a ❄️ icon). Normal level is between MIN and MAX. If the liquid is below MIN, top up G13 (not water!).