🧪Fluid Capacities
Volkswagen Beetle Fluid Capacities
All fluid capacities for your Volkswagen Beetle: engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering, and more.
Quick Answer
The Volkswagen Beetle requires multiple fluids maintained at specific levels. Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all have different capacities depending on your engine and model year.
2014-2019
2014-2019Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.5 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill) / 7-9 quarts (total)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidElectric power steering — no fluid needed
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Many newer models use electric power steering — no power steering fluid required
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
2008-2013
2008-2013Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.5 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill) / 7-9 quarts (total)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
2002-2007
2002-2007Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1996-2001
1996-2001Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1990-1995
1990-1995Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1984-1989
1984-1989Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1978-1983
1978-1983Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1972-1977
1972-1977Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1966-1971
1966-1971Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1960-1965
1960-1965Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1954-1959
1954-1959Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1948-1953
1948-1953Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1942-1947
1942-1947Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
1938-1941
1938-1941Engine Oil4.0 - 6.5 quarts (varies by engine)
Coolant (total system)6.0 - 10.0 quarts
Transmission Fluid3.0 - 4.0 quarts (drain & fill)
Brake FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4 — ~1 quart for full flush
Power Steering FluidATF or manufacturer-specific — ~1 quart
Windshield Washer~1 gallon
Notes
- →Never mix different types of coolant — flush completely when changing brands
- →Transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running and at operating temperature
- →Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — replace every 2-3 years regardless of mileage
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much coolant does a Volkswagen Beetle hold?
- The Volkswagen Beetle cooling system holds 6-10 quarts total depending on the engine. A drain-and-fill replaces about 50-60% of the coolant. For a complete flush, you'll need the full capacity amount.
- What type of transmission fluid does a Volkswagen Beetle use?
- The Volkswagen Beetle transmission fluid type depends on whether it's an automatic or manual transmission and the model year. Automatic transmissions typically use ATF WS, Dexron VI, or manufacturer-specific fluid. Manual transmissions use 75W-90 gear oil.
- Does a Volkswagen Beetle have power steering fluid?
- 2015+ Volkswagen Beetle models with electric power steering don't use power steering fluid. Older models with hydraulic power steering use ATF or manufacturer-specific fluid — check your owner's manual.
- What brake fluid does a Volkswagen Beetle use?
- Most Volkswagen Beetle models use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point and is preferred for performance driving. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) in a system designed for DOT 3/4.