Coolant

I vote for staying with the OEM Toyota/Lexus forumula coolant. This a different ... but don't ask me recall what that specific difference is.

It's just a dye. Every maker has their own color...and they are all ethylene glycol based...except for the new lower puppy toxicity/less tasty propylene glycol based antifreezes. In any case, I think those can be safely used interchangeably, anyway. Used to be that the anti-corrosion packages of some antifreezes were bad for aluminum engines, but I think that changed LONG ago. Read the container warning label.

Use the green stuff. It is a dye, but supposed to contain more additives. Just don't use the Dex-Cool stuff.

Page 1 of 1 Toyota TSB: PG010-02 Title: ENGINE COOLANT COLOR CHANGE Models: '02 Japan Built 4Runner, Camry, Celica, Corolla, ECHO, Land Cruiser, MR2 Spyder, Prius, RAV4 & '03 Corolla Technical Service BULLETIN March 22, 2002 A new pink colored LLC is being phased into production for all 2002 Japan Built Toyota models. The color change does not affect the maintenance procedures or intervals established for the red coolant. The new pink coolant is

(unfortunately, no compatibility with green is either approved or prohibited) Call you dealer to be SURE.

I believe it is ethylene glycol so you can use the "regular old Prestone green stuff." If you decide to go with one of the Dexcool super-long-life types, you do need to do a very complete flush. Some folks don't like the new stuff, but after careful flushing (draining and filling at least three times), I've had no issues on several vehicles.

- Mark

The issue isn't color but the anti-corrosion chemicals in the coolant. If there's not a great price difference, I'd stay with Toyota. After all, the difference is amortized over the two year change cycle. FYI, I had the local Toyota dealer change the coolant in my 2002 Highlander (6cyl) and the new coolant is green, not red.

They used the wrong type.

Why not?

Why the flush?

Dexcool and conventional don't mix well. All the mfgs of Dexcool-type antifreezes recommend that all the old antifreeze be flushed out before adding Dexcool. Some people go so far as to recommend that you never put Dexcool in any vehicle which didn't have it from the factory.

- Mark

I picked up a "Toyota Red Coolant" brocure a couple of months ago from the Toyota dealership. They claim they use less silicates, which causes less wear on the internal components, or something like that.

My ES 300 uses the Pink Coolant. Can't find a brochure on that one yet.