Hey guys,

My car has 160K kms on it. I dont think the coolant was ever changed on it. How often do you change yours ? For those that may have done this themselves, is there block drain somewhere on the engine ? If so, where is it ?
Any experience with the longevity of the cooling systems components on these cars ? For example, are the radiators prone to cracking after a certain mileage ? Plastic connections perhaps ?
Coming from the BMW world, most cooling components had to be preemptively replaced to avoid sudden failure. I suspect Lexus should be more reliable, but it would be good to hear people with actual experience.

Thanks,

 

Coolant every 7 years, buy Toyota Super Long Life coolant. Radiator is replace "when needed" but inspect the plastic for signs of stress here's an example
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-radiator.html

This guy is a legit mechanic he does a 2GR coolant swap

 

i forgot if we have to loosen any breeder screw. let me know since im almost near 100k too

 

On the first car I ever owned 1998 Honda Accord, sold with 232,505 miles, we never changed the coolant, last car I owned 2010 Honda Civic never changed the coolant. Apparently on the Honda's as long as the coolant doesn't leak it will just last the life of the car. I'm sure factory recommended changing at some point, I did the same thing with brake and steering fluid, never changed it on the 1998 Honda Accord and guess what had zero issues.

For my 2013 Lexus GS 450h Lexus only recommends changing at 130k or 150k miles(I have to double check). Not exactly sure why the recommendation for the hybrid is much longer than the 350.

I'm at 113k+ miles with my 450h on original coolant and brake fluid. Brake fluid is still clear/transparent not poop color. On the 1998 Accord it was the color of poop, but never had an issue with the brakes. I'll probably flush the brakes on the GSh when it gets darker, if it ever does.

 

`10 years/150000km

 

my initial coolant change and refill on all my cars is apprx at 30k miles. then i do it every 15-20k miles after the intial change and i have the tools to put the cooling sys into vacuum so i can inspect all the hoses, connections, lines, and radiator. putting the cooling sys in a vacuum allows you to detect any leaks and see the integrity of the hoses that collapse when vacuum is applied. the bonus of putting the cooling sys into a vacuum is you get all the air out and new 50/50 premixed coolant will just suck itself into the cooling sys and fill without introducing air and having a need to bleed it.

 

I go with Peasodos and would not go overboard on changing fluids other than the oil. My opinion on such things. If it is what makes your comfortable and you DIY, then that is fine. Don’t go to the dealer and pay them the $’s, unless you just don’t care about money. I was ripped off once at a garage in college, then I learned to do the work myself. Then I learned as my cars aged, they still run without doing this stuff like change fluids every 30k miles and such. Now granted, my only proof is a 2004 Saturn (Honda V6 engine) with 175k miles on it, 2005 Honda Civic with 130k miles on it, and 2010 Honda CRV with 140k miles. Guess Honda engines are reliably built. Bought the 2013 GS 450H in 2019 when trading the Saturn in. Out of CPO warranty now, so only expect to do oil changes for the next four years.