alpha3
Go Kart Champion
I have to agree with Joe_M. I've seen first hand what just randomly adding stuff to G12 can do; not just the green stuff like he refers to. The Prestone, above, completely ruined a co-worker of mine's cooling system, cost her a lot of money for her boyfriend's stupidity in randomly adding crap. VW does build their stuff to kinda do this on purpose, I think. That way you use THEIR liquids. I know random sensors stop working if you use the wrong fluids, RAIN-X crapped out a friend of mine's washer system , ruined the sensors and messed up the pump. I started adding a bit of extra alcohol to my windshield washer reservoir, not much, maybe two ounces, but my fluid level sensor fried because of it. Crazy. I got a new one , they're cheap, but a PITA to replace.Your anecdotal evidence and impressive sample size not withstanding, I think I'll side with VW engineers on this one and stick with just using the required G12 with no snake oil additives.
GolNat- I'm sure our cars will run with any correct viscosity oil. But from what I understand, the 'approved' means approved levels of protection for tight tolerances, temperatures, and turbo longevity. I mean, y'all do what you want but it seems silly to risk damage and decay if you don't have to, all over some secret additive. Aftermarket stuff is fun, but sometimes OEM is better. Old adage: ''If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.''
But hey------ it's YOUR cars.