Hello All , I have purchased a 2000 RX300 awd.
My question is when traveling far from dealer what fluids are acceptable if needed.
Antifreeze? Transmission Fluid?
Thanks

 

Check the specification section of your owner's manual. My GS uses Toyota Type T IV A/T fluid and I bought mine from my local Toyota dealership.

 

for coolant, red coolant from Toyota works, as for transmission, check your owner's manual, as some of the FWD cars use T-IV or Dexron III, dependent on transmission.

 

I'm not sure you should mix them but on my last radiator flush, I went to Prestone II. Both it and Toyota "red" are ethylene glycol based antifreeze. I think Toyota gets a big markup for a little red dye. Anyway I like the mello yellow stuff because its a different color from transmission fluid. If I see a drip I instantly know if its engine oil (clear to soft brown), trans (red) or radiator (yellow). Of course then there's brake fluid (also clear) but those drips would generally be on the side not center. This is not to suggest that you should vary from the spec on trans fluid. I wouldn't recommend that.

George

 

prestone is loaded with slicates and phosphates. Perfect for a American cooling system like that found in Fords, bad for our aluminum-block Lexus engines. Toyota red is a no silicate coolant based on hybrid organic acid and phosphate chemistry. Don't confuse the Toyota stuff with Dex-Cool.

 

Here's a link to a Popular Mechanics article about anti-freeze. I think it says that, after a complete flush, US yellow/green antifreezes are ok in Jananese aluminum block engines. I think the US antifreeze manufactures added silicates specifically for aluminum block engines.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...nt/print.phtml

I'd like to see more authoritative articles on this question. Frankly I'm confused.

BTW, what does Toyota "red" cost?

Geroge

 

$15.00 a gallon or so. Last i purchased.
damon