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does it need a flush/ change at a set interval?
the fluid is very clear. no other cooling issues as well.
I have not had it flushed/changed for the 6 years under my ownership. no previous records available.
I drain and fill the radiator every few years (40 to 60k). Easier than a full fluid flush and frequent enough to refresh critical chemicals. If it has been six years I would at least do that, especially in Texas where the heat is harder on the coolant. Toyota red is really easy to find these days.
a) open car at filler neck (when cool, not hot), and then the drain on the Radiator
b) close when draining stops.
c) re-fill at filler neck with 50/50 (or your desired ratio) pre-mix or mix of concentrate and distilled water. (I like 60/40 so I buy concentrate)
d) Run with heater on until the thermostat opens and level drops. Top-up and close system.
e) Check again after driving a day, and adjust reservoir level.
It helps if you do this with the car slightly nose-up or on jacks if you can, it helps air work it's way up and out. It is not absolutely necessary, though.
If you want to get more out/in at once, you can crawl underneath and open the block drains with sockets on extensions. they are on either side of the block.
These are the drain plugs and the plug for the radiator. Plug for radiator is at the bottom, one drain plugs is near the oil filter on the front of the engine and the other drain plug is behind the AC/Drive belts/pulleys.
coolant flush
