Coolant question for a 98 VW Jetta?

I have a 98 VW Jetta and I just had a couple things fixed but then today the tempature gauge started to blink...first I can't find where to put the coolant, I only found the reserve and it was low...then I filled it to the correct level and I drove it for about 10 minutes the light is off now but the level already went below the lowest line in the reserve tank. So I had the timing belt changed, water pump and the tensioner something or other...Why would my level be so low already or is that how it is supposed to be? Do I look at the level when the car is running or when it is off? PLEASE HELP! this car is my daughter's first car and she is 16...I would die if she breaks down...Coolant question for a 98 VW Jetta?My first car broke down a few times but my parents never died... ;)



Anywho, sounds like a coolant leak. Due to recent maintenance, the water pump seal seems to be the most likely culprit but just look for where it's wet.Coolant question for a 98 VW Jetta?You cant be sure its full until you find the radiator and remove the radiator cap . Youll need to start car and put heat on full blast. Then start pouring coolant into the radiator until you cant put anymore in it. coolant level will go up and down inside radiator for a while, be patient and top it off. After its full, cap it off and then fill the reserve to full line. If it goes down then you may have a leak. Make sure car has been sitting for about 30 minutes before removing radiator cap, or else itll spray out due to pressure...Coolant question for a 98 VW Jetta?Wow. Some of those items are not related to the water level. A timing belt was needed fine. If the car had 75k miles on it a timing belt would be the right thing to have done. If the water pump was bad that would of caused the problem in the first place. The tension wheel will keep the tension of the belt tight and in place.

Check the oil to see if it is Still a clear color of amber of if it is black in color. If it is a brownish color then there is a bigger problem. When the car is cold open the radiator cap and check the water level. NEVER open that cap when car is hot.

Check back with us if there are more questionsCoolant question for a 98 VW Jetta?Hopefully, you are smart enough to know that you can only use genuine VW/Audi coolant in this car. It is normal for the coolant level to drop alittle bit after a repair since the entire cooling system will have air in it all the way back to the heater core. As the engine heats up, this air is dispelled and the level drops. Coolant level is best checked with engine off and cool. Don't panic. Everything is fine!! Read your manual about the type of coolant, and never believe that there is a universal coolant, This is a big advertising LIE!!!