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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

i think i'm just gonna stick with toyota then. too many variables. how many gallons will i need to buy?

 

can't remember exactly but they used just about 2 bottles... so 2 gallons?

 

do i need to mix 50/50 distilled water with toyota coolant or does it come premix

 

The dyes added to coolant are actually standardized across all brands (Green - standard, Red - long life)?

 

...and orange for Dex-Cool!

 

anybody needing Lexus/Toyota RED coolant feel free to drop me a PM

 

Just a suggestion, when you mix it with water use distilled water. Also after flushing run one batch of distilled water only before adding the mixture.

 

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?

 

The owner's manual recommended 'red' Toyota long life coolant. I bought a gallon from my local Toyota dealership around $10.