We have gone away for five weeks to Northern Spain. Had the 2.0 Golf diesel serviced week before and checked levels before setting off. First day was cruising at 80 mph on motorways. Did about 360 miles. Car loaded up, aircon on as ever. Ambient temperature was a record scorching 38C ( for April). The journey included crawling through Seville.
Got to our hotel and only later in evening, did I spot a problem. Streaks of liquid stain radiating out from front passenger wheel rim and onto the tyres. At first, I thought it must be brake fluid but concluded it was likely coolant.
Left hotel and headed to nearest garage to buy 5 litres of coolant as the header tank was empty. Still no warning lights on dash to say coolant low. After a mile the warning light came on and went off when I topped header up. It only took about half a pint. Put car through their car wash ( so tyre was clean in case problem repeated) and then set off gently north. No repair garages open as it was May Day holiday weekend.
Did about 100 or so miles and found a hotel for two nights. Checked coolant level next morning and put a cupful in. That was the last time I needed to top it up. Since then we have done another 650 miles including motorway cruising but with outside temperatures lower.
When we get back next month, I will have to get the car looked at.
In the meantime, any ideas as to what the issue might be? Would there be any codes? Could it be that old favourite of faulty thermostat? I am thinking that maybe the radiator has some sludge which is reducing cooling efficiency but isn't evident under normal driving even in our murderous summer heat. It is after all a nine year, 115 k miles old car .
I cannot see any stain from a leak from header tank or the network of pipes but like all modern cars you cannot see much. Oil temperature , when warm, is exactly the same as it has always been.
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Topic: Overheating? (Read 927 times)