VW Jetta Coolant Low?

Question

2003 Jetta, 2.0 L, 4 cylinder. Coolant light started flashing tonight, upon starting the car. Manual says to add a specific coolant, only available at dealer (already checked PepBoys). Have only taken car to PepBoys for oil changes, tire rotations, nothing else. Do I just need to top off the coolant level (how long can I go with doing this)? Do I need to check for leaks somewhere (if so, please be specific - I have very little knowledge, except that the coolant is red & in a clear container). Do I need to take it to dealer to get looked at? I want the lowest cost option (i.e., doing myself) but I am willing to pay dealer/stealer price if that is what really needs to be done. Thanks in advance.
(Sorry I also posted under VW, but thought that might be too specific - so am re-posting under maintenance. Also, I need an answer by 8:00 AM eastern time, so that is why I'm re-posting so quickly.)

Answer 1

The low coolant means you need to add coolant (water will do) to the overflow reservoir. No need to open radiator cap and no need to rush. The reservoir is marked at proper full level.

Answer 2

you don't have to have this done at a dealer,any good repair shop can do this,a dealer is just going to cost a lot more,any local independent shop can service this car for you,it uses the newer type coolant that's all its red instead of green,any of the red coolant will work with it,its just the newer kind,vw did not make a kind of special coolant that you could only buy at a dealer,the newer type is called dexcool,and is safer than the older type and non poisonous to animals that why they switched to it,gm and ford did the same thing,for now check the coolant it may just be low and need topped off,but it could also have a leak in it,you can look in under it and see if there's anything leaking from it,but it still may be a real good idea to get it checked out really good,,good luck on it.

Answer 3

Try NAPA or a comercial parts store instead of these discount houses. Yes the Anti-Freeze is a specific type for an 03 VW, so ask a counter person for help. ASE Cert Auto Tech, 92 GTI16V 2.0L