Coolant Type
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,203
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From: California
Coolant Type
so today i went to go buy some coolant. there are about 5 different types of coolant. so i didn't know what to get so i asked the guy at the desk and he told me Lexus might have there own kind so i should probly ask them first or buy from them. is there really different type of coolant for different type of cars?? should i just buy it from Lexus dealer?? or should i go to Toyota Dealer.?? also whats the difference between anitfreeze and coolant. same thing right?
Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I am real pleased with the "red" or "orange colored antifreeze, which supposedly can go 5 years or 150,000 miles before you need to replace it. I do not think you need to go with Toyota brand. I used "Havoline" brand.
The only word of caution is that if you had the older "green" colored antifreeze, you must do a thorough flush of cooling system as you will degrade the new fluid if it mixes with any of the old. Just my opinion... BTY, my son Matt is now living in Murietta California.... quite a change from COLD Michigan.
The only word of caution is that if you had the older "green" colored antifreeze, you must do a thorough flush of cooling system as you will degrade the new fluid if it mixes with any of the old. Just my opinion... BTY, my son Matt is now living in Murietta California.... quite a change from COLD Michigan.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: CT
Hey, John.
Yes, antifreeze and coolant is the same thing, as far as I know. I use the green coolant from the Lexus dealer. But I don't think it matters too much, where you buy it. It's the same stuff anyways. Also, if you want to make sure your coolant is really cool in the summer time, buy and add some of the "Water Wetter" stuff to it. I think that's the name, I'm not sure. It helps the coolant to withstand more heat. Just my .02.
Be good, bro.
Yes, antifreeze and coolant is the same thing, as far as I know. I use the green coolant from the Lexus dealer. But I don't think it matters too much, where you buy it. It's the same stuff anyways. Also, if you want to make sure your coolant is really cool in the summer time, buy and add some of the "Water Wetter" stuff to it. I think that's the name, I'm not sure. It helps the coolant to withstand more heat. Just my .02.
Be good, bro.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 661
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
I have used both the red and the green coolant.. although i have not noticed a difference in engine temp, i have noticed a difference in smell. The Toyota (red) coolant i have used doesn't have that strong antifreeze-like smell that i hate. However when it drains/leaks/overflows it looks just like transmission fluid and it take a sec. to differentiate.
I am using Prestone Antifreeze/Coolant now but will probably flush system and switch to Toyota (red) before Spring.
I am using Prestone Antifreeze/Coolant now but will probably flush system and switch to Toyota (red) before Spring.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I just skimmed this thread, but are you guys buying coolant based on COLOR? Maybe check you OM and see what it requires are far as specs, and of course, your geogrpahical location.
The local 'Yota dealer would probably have something good for you.
The local 'Yota dealer would probably have something good for you.
I went to do a cooling system at the local shop and they first said I had to come back next week. I asked why and they said there is a special type (color is always red for this) from toyota that they have to use and they didn't have it in stock. I'm not sure if any red color coolant is compatible.
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Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,203
Likes: 0
From: California
when i am "flushing" is it ok to use a garden hose to flush?? on the back of the bottle it says to flush for 10 minutes.
after that i'll flush again with distilled water. is this ok?
after that i'll flush again with distilled water. is this ok?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 15
From: wisconsin
Re: Coolant Type
Originally posted by Jmai22
so today i went to go buy some coolant. there are about 5 different types of coolant. so i didn't know what to get so i asked the guy at the desk and he told me Lexus might have there own kind so i should probly ask them first or buy from them. is there really different type of coolant for different type of cars?? should i just buy it from Lexus dealer?? or should i go to Toyota Dealer.?? also whats the difference between anitfreeze and coolant. same thing right?
so today i went to go buy some coolant. there are about 5 different types of coolant. so i didn't know what to get so i asked the guy at the desk and he told me Lexus might have there own kind so i should probly ask them first or buy from them. is there really different type of coolant for different type of cars?? should i just buy it from Lexus dealer?? or should i go to Toyota Dealer.?? also whats the difference between anitfreeze and coolant. same thing right?