Maintaining your Mercedes-Benz requires attention to detail, and one crucial aspect is using the correct coolant. Recently, a Mercedes owner experienced a perplexing situation highlighting the importance of coolant accuracy, especially for models like the GLA 250 4matic.
The owner of a 2015 GLA 250 4matic noticed a low coolant warning when parked on inclines. Deciding to top it off, they consulted the official Mercedes-Benz coolant specification document, MB 310.1, available online. This document outlines coolant requirements based on production date. According to MB 310.1, for a vehicle manufactured in November 2014, like theirs, the recommended coolant should be the latest pink variety, specification 326.6.
However, upon inspection, the owner discovered their vehicle was filled with blue coolant, specification 326.0. Blue coolant is designated for Mercedes-Benz vehicles manufactured up to April 2014. This discrepancy raised immediate questions. The key difference lies in the composition: pink coolant (326.6) is formulated without borate and 2-ethylhexanoic acid, components present in the older blue coolant (326.0).
Upon reporting this finding to a Mercedes-Benz dealership, the service department rectified the situation by flushing the blue coolant and replacing it with the correct pink coolant. Interestingly, no explanation was provided for the initial coolant discrepancy, leaving the owner to wonder why a vehicle manufactured after the cut-off date had the older coolant type.
This real-world example underscores the necessity of verifying the correct coolant for your Mercedes. Using the wrong coolant can potentially lead to issues over time, although the immediate effects might not be obvious. Always refer to the official Mercedes-Benz documentation, such as MB 310.1, and your vehicle’s manual to confirm the precise coolant specification for your model and production date. If uncertainty arises, consulting with a certified Mercedes-Benz service center is always a prudent step to ensure your vehicle receives the correct care and maintenance, right down to the coolant in its system.
