My 2003 Lexus GS 430 came with the "Red" Coolant. It's time for the first radiator flush and refill, so I went to my local Lexus dealer (Pohanka Lexus in Chantilly, VA) to ask for two gallons of the traditional Red (not pink) Toyota Long-Life coolant. The parts counter person told me they no longer stock the red coolant - they only sell the newer pink coolant.

Is this the case at all Lexus dealers? I think I would like to stick to what came with the car, unless someone can assure me that the pink coolant is at least equal or better than the red stuff. Do Toyota (i.e., not Lexus) dealers still sell the traditional red coolant, or have they switched over entirely to the new pink stuff as well?

I know these two coolants are different formulations - It's not just the color that is different. The pink stuff, for those of you that don't know, is supposed to last for upwards of 5 years or 100,000 miles. The traditional red coolant is supposed to be changed every two years or 30,000 miles.

I'd rather not use anything but Toyota coolant. Is the red stuff still obtainable out there, or would I be better off changing to the new pink coolant?

 

I stay with the red coolant that come with car. The pink coolant ( Super Long Life) is special pre-mixed from Toyota and it will last 90K. The problem is, if you mix any water or another kind of coolant, then the life of the pink coolant will be reduce to 30K miles.

 

I currently have the Red Toyota coolant in my ES. I will make the switch to the Pink stuff next coolant flush. Just make sure they get ALL of the red coolant out first. Double check with a few dealers if you like, but you should be fine to make the conversion to the Toyota Pink coolant!