What is the refrigerant filling capacity for the Bora?
3 Answers
The Volkswagen Bora requires approximately 6 liters of coolant. The vehicle is factory-filled with the specified coolant (G13), which has a blue-purple color. This coolant has a freezing point below -35 degrees Celsius, prevents corrosion of aluminum components in the cooling system, inhibits scale formation, and raises the boiling point of the coolant. If the coolant level falls below the minimum mark (min) or the coolant color appears abnormal, it must be replenished or replaced immediately. Coolant Overview: The full name of coolant is antifreeze coolant, which consists of water, antifreeze, and additives. Based on the antifreeze component, it can be categorized into alcohol-based, glycerol-based, ethylene glycol-based, and other types of coolants. Function of Coolant: Coolants that meet national standards typically have a boiling point exceeding 105 degrees Celsius. Compared to water's boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius, coolant can withstand higher temperatures without boiling (overheating), thereby meeting the cooling demands of high-load engines to a certain extent.
The refrigerant charge amount for the Volkswagen Bora varies depending on the model year and air conditioning system design. According to the maintenance manual, models after 2019 generally require 480±20 grams of R134a refrigerant, while older models need about 550 grams. The key is to completely evacuate the system before performing a quantitative charge—I've seen too many people relying solely on pressure gauges, resulting in terrible cooling performance in summer. In practice, you need to prepare an electronic scale for precise measurement and also check whether the compressor oil needs to be replaced simultaneously. Don’t try to save money by using off-brand refrigerants—the seals in German car compressors are particularly prone to corrosion from low-quality refrigerants. Professional shops usually have specialized refrigerant testers for the Bora; even an overcharge of 30 grams can trigger high-pressure protection.
Be cautious when adding refrigerant yourself, as the required amount varies significantly across different model years of the Bora. Newer models typically need just under three cans, but always check your compressor label for specifics. However, I strongly advise against DIY: a friend recently added refrigerant without vacuuming the system first, introducing air that reduced cooling efficiency by 20%. Nowadays, dealerships use equipment with refrigerant recovery functions - old refrigerant with over 3% moisture content gets discarded. After charging, test the low-pressure line temperature; frost formation at idle indicates overcharging. The manufacturer recommends checking refrigerant purity every two years, as degraded refrigerant harms compressors more than low levels.
