Audi VW Engine Expansion Plug - Genuine VW Audi 022103498A

Product Information

An engine expansion plug, also known as a freeze plug or core plug, is a small, round metal or rubber disc inserted into the engine block. Its main function is to seal off passages created during the manufacturing process of the engine block, where sand cores were used to create the internal coolant channels. Additionally, expansion plugs offer some protection against cracking in extremely cold temperatures by allowing room for expanding coolant if it freezes.

• Coolant Leaks: A common sign of a failing expansion plug is a visible coolant leak around the plug area. You may notice coolant pooling underneath the engine or dripping from the plug location
• Overheating Engine: Leaking coolant due to a failed expansion plug can lead to reduced coolant levels, which can eventually cause the engine to overheat due to insufficient cooling

About Genuine VW Audi

The Volkswagen Group, also known as “VAG”, consists of Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Ducati, MAN, Scania, SEAT, and Skoda. The original parts used by VAG to build your car are available as replacement parts under the “Genuine VAG” brand. Manufactured under the direction of VAG, expect excellent quality and a premium price since these parts are available exclusively through the VAG Dealership network.

You may not realize this, but the parts that make up your VAG are not necessarily manufactured by VAG. No cause for concern, as VAG designs the part, hires a manufacturer, and ensures its quality to you. In fact, many of these manufacturers have been making parts for VAG for decades. In our industry these manufacturers are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and these are often brands you recognize, including Lemforder, ZF, Sachs, Bosch, Valeo, Zimmermann, Siemens VDO, Corteco, and more. Don’t be surprised to open that Genuine VAG parts box and find an OEM branded part inside, simply with the addition of a VAG logo.

Be sure to keep an eye out for OE tags on our product pages to quickly identify parts coming direct from OE manufacturers. That extra bit of insight could save you some serious money while shopping! Refer to our OE Academy for further information regarding the OE/OEM tags throughout the site.