Replacement of antifreeze on ŠKODA Octavia Tour: timing, choice of liquid and step-by-step process

Replacing antifreeze in ŠKODA Octavia Tour A procedure that many owners postpone until the last until the engine starts to overheat or the stove stops warming. Meanwhile, the coolant loses its properties in 3-5 years (or 60-90 thousand). It is corroded by radiators, pumps and even cylinder blocks. In this article, we will analyze when exactly you need a replacement, what antifreeze to pour into the Octavia Tour (including restyled versions A5 FL and A7), and how to carry out the procedure yourself - taking into account the nuances of the cooling system of the Czech sedan.

Feature Octavia Tour (especially with motors 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI) - sensitivity to the quality of antifreeze. Using a poor quality liquid or untimely replacement can lead to thermostat jamming or failure oil cooler (Relevant to the automatic version) DSG-6/DSG-7). We collected data from manuals ŠKODA, the experience of service centers and reviews from owners in order to create the most complete guide - from diagnosing the condition of antifreeze to filling in new fluid with bleeding the system.

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

Official regulations ŠKODA for Octavia Tour (including generations A5, A5 FL and A7) provides for replacing antifreeze every 5 years or 90,000 km - whichever comes first. However, these terms are only valid for the original liquid. G12++ (or G13 for models after 2018). If you filled in an analogue or bought a used car with an unknown history, the interval is reduced to 3 years or 60,000 km.

It is worth checking the condition of antifreeze once a year - especially before winter. Signs that it’s time to change the fluid:

• 🔴 The color has changed - has become rusty brown, cloudy or discolored (original G12++ has a purple tint G13 - pink).
• 🌡️ Frequent overheating - engine temperature rises above 90°C even under moderate load.
• ❄️ The stove blows cold — the heater radiator channels are clogged or the thermostat is stuck in the open position.
• 💧 Foam or sediment — flakes, oil stains or crystals are visible in the expansion tank.

Important for Octavia Tour with 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines: these engines are especially sensitive to the quality of antifreeze due to the aluminum cylinder head parts. Corrosion can lead to gasket leaks or even cracks in the block. If you notice white coating on the expansion tank cap - this is a sure sign that the liquid is decomposing and requires urgent replacement.

What antifreeze to fill in ŠKODA Octavia Tour: original vs analogues

For Octavia Tour all generations (A5, A5 FL, A7) ŠKODA recommends using antifreeze based on ethylene glycol with technology LOBrid (low silicate). Original fluids:

• 🔹 ŠKODA G12++ (purple) - for models up to 2018. Article: G 012 A8F M1.
• 🔹 ŠKODA G13 (pink) - for cars after 2018. Article: G 013 A8J M1.

If the original is difficult to find, you can use analogues from trusted brands:

Brand	Title	Color	Specification	Article
Volkswagen	G12++	Purple	VW TL 774-G	G 012 A8G M1
Motul	Inugel Optimal	Purple	VW TL 774-G	105770
Liqui Moly	KFS 2001 Plus	Purple	VW TL 774-G	8844
CoolStream	Premium	Pink	VW TL 774-J	CS010-774J

⚠️ Attention: Never mix antifreezes of different colors or technologies (for example, G12++ and G13). This will lead to sedimentation and clogging of the channels. If you don’t know what was uploaded earlier - flush the system before replacement.

Antifreeze volume for Octavia Tour depends on the engine:

• 🔧 1.4 TSI (122–150 hp) — 5.5–6 l.
• 🔧 1.8 TSI (180 hp) - 6.5–7 l.
• 🔧 2.0 TDI (140–184 hp) — 7–7.5 l.

Preparing for replacement: tools and safety precautions

For self-replacement of antifreeze in Octavia Tour you will need:

• 🔧 13 mm wrench - for the drain plug on the cylinder block (on some engines - 16 mm).
• 🔧 Pliers - for removing clamps from pipes.
• 🔧 Drain container (minimum 8 l) - preferably with a wide neck.
• 🔧 Funnel - to fill in new antifreeze.
• 🔧 Distilled water (10–15 l) - for washing.
• 🔧 Flushing agent (optional) - for example, Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger.
• 🔧 Gloves and glasses — antifreeze is toxic!

⚠️ Attention: Carry out work on cold engine — when heated, antifreeze is under pressure (up to 1.5 bar) and can burn. Also avoid getting liquid on the paintwork - it will corrode the paint.

Before you start:

1. Park your car on flat surface (or with a slight slope forward for better drainage).
2. Open the hood and relieve pressure in the system by slowly unscrewing the cap of the expansion tank.
3. Prepare access to drain plug - on Octavia Tour it is located on the rear of the cylinder block (can be hidden by protection).

Step-by-step instructions: draining old antifreeze

The process of draining antifreeze onto Octavia Tour has nuances depending on the engine. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

Step 1: Drain the radiator

At the bottom of the radiator (driver's side) there is drain faucet. Place the container and unscrew it counterclockwise. On some versions, instead of a faucet there is cork — it needs to be unscrewed with a 13 mm wrench. Be prepared: antifreeze will flow immediately and under pressure.

Step 2. Draining the cylinder block

The drain plug on the block is located at the back, closer to the gearbox. Access to it may be difficult - you may have to remove the engine protection. Unscrew the plug with a 13 mm wrench (or 16 mm for 2.0 TDI) and wait until the liquid drains.

Step 3. Removing residue from the expansion tank

Remove the tank (it is secured with 2-3 bolts) and rinse it with water. Sediment at the bottom is a sign that the system needs to be flushed.

⚠️ Attention: On Octavia Tour with motor 1.8 TSI after draining, antifreeze can remain up to 1–1.5 liters of liquid in the heater. To remove it, after draining, start the engine for 10–15 seconds (without the reservoir cap) - the pump will expel the residue.

What to do if the drain plug does not unscrew?

If the plug is stuck, do not use excessive force - you risk breaking the thread. Treat it with WD-40, wait 10-15 minutes and try again. As a last resort, you can gently heat the plug with a hair dryer (without overheating the block!).

Flushing the cooling system: when is it needed and how to do it

Flushing is required in three cases:

1. If the drained antifreeze cloudy, with sediment or rust.
2. If you don't know what was uploaded earlier (for example, bought a used car).
3. If you change from one type of antifreeze to another (for example, from G12 on G13).

Method 1. Quick rinse with distilled water

Close the drain plugs, fill the tank with distilled water to the maximum, start the engine and let it run 10–15 minutes at idle speed (before the thermostat opens). Then drain the water and repeat the procedure 2-3 times until the water runs clear.

Method 2. Deep rinsing with a special agent

Use flush type Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger or Wynn’s Radiator Flush. Algorithm:

1. Close the drain holes.
2. Pour flushing into the system (according to the instructions on the package).
3. Add water to the level.
4. Start the engine and let it run 30–60 minutes (or drive 10–20 km).
5. Drain the liquid and flush the system with water 2-3 times.

Filling with new antifreeze and bleeding the system

After draining and flushing, we proceed to pouring fresh antifreeze. It is important to do this correctly to avoid air jams:

Step 1. Preparation

Close all drain plugs (don't forget the faucet on the radiator!). Make sure the clamps on the pipes are tight.

Step 2. Filling with antifreeze

The filling method depends on the engine:

• 🔧 For 1.4 TSI and 1.8 TSI: pour through expansion tank to the mark MAX, then top up the radiator filler neck (if equipped).
• 🔧 For 2.0 TDI: First pour 3-4 liters into the radiator, then add through the tank.

Step 3. Bleeding the system

After filling:

1. Start the engine and let it idle 5–10 minutes.
2. Turn the stove on maximum temperature and airflow - this will help expel air from the heater core.
3. As the engine warms up, the level of antifreeze in the tank will drop - add until MAX.
4. Rev up 2500–3000 rpm 2-3 times for 10 seconds - this will speed up circulation.
5. Close the tank lid and check the system for leaks (no leaks).

⚠️ Attention: On Octavia Tour with 1.8 TSI after replacing the antifreeze it may burn "Low coolant level" error (on the dashboard). This is normal - the error will reset after 2-3 engine heating/cooling cycles.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing antifreeze. Here are the most common:

1. Incomplete drainage of old fluid

If you do not drain the antifreeze from heater radiator, the new fluid will mix with the old, which will shorten its service life. Solution: after draining, start the engine for 10-15 seconds without the reservoir cap - the pump will expel the residue.

2. Ignoring flushing

If there is sediment or rust in the system, the new antifreeze will quickly lose its properties. Flushing is mandatory when switching to another type of fluid (for example, with G12 on G13).

3. Overfilling or underfilling

The antifreeze level should be between MIN and MAX on a cold engine. If you overfill, the excess will pour out through the valve of the tank lid, and if you underfill, you risk getting an air lock.

4. Using tap water

To dilute the concentrate, use only distilled water. Tap water contains salts that form scale.

5. Forgetting to bleed the system

Without bleeding, air will remain in the system, which will lead to engine overheating or a cold stove. Be sure to warm up the engine with the heater on!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

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

No! Despite the similar composition, G12++ (purple) and G13 (pink) have different additives. Mixing will lead to sedimentation and loss of anti-corrosion properties. If you need to top up, use just the same brand, which was filled in earlier.

How often should I check the antifreeze level?

The level is worth checking every month (or before long trips). On Octavia Tour The expansion tank is transparent - you can assess the level visually without unscrewing the cap. Top up when it drops below the mark MIN.

What to do if after replacement the stove blows cold?

This is a sign air lock in the heater radiator. To fix it:

1. Start the engine and warm up to operating temperature.
2. Turn the stove on high.
3. Remove the return hose from the heater core (the thin hose that runs from the heater to the engine).
4. Wait until the antifreeze flows out without bubbles and put the hose back on.

What antifreeze is included in the 2020 Octavia Tour from the factory?

On Octavia Tour 4th generation (A7, after 2019) is filled from the factory ŠKODA G13 (pink) with specification VW TL 774-J. It can be topped up without flushing if the level has dropped not due to a leak.

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

Replacement cost in official services ŠKODA:

• 💰 3,000–4,500 rub. — replacement only (without washing).
• 💰 5,000–7,000 rub. - with flushing the system.

Replacing it yourself will cost 1,500–2,500 rub. (cost of antifreeze + distilled water).