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Frequently Asked Questions
 
F.A.Q.
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Which Anti-freeze / Coolant should I use?

 

Toyota recommend that you use their own long-life coolant. This is known as "Toyota Red":

 

 

This is a long-life coolant, that only requires changing every 5 years. It apparently has better cooling and lubricating properties than standard anti-freeze/coolant, but the debates continue, and the cynics amongst you may see it as just another marketing ploy by Toyota.
 

This is what Toyota has to say on their product:

 

Genuine Toyota Long Life Antifreeze Coolant, with its distinctive red appearance, provides maximum protection without the use of harmful silicates. This formula is extremely durable and because of its compatibility with non-metallic materials, it helps extend the life of water pump seals.

Genuine Toyota Long Life Antifreeze Coolant is the same high quality red fluid that's found in all new Toyotas. Its unique formulation was developed exclusively to meet the specific requirements of your Toyota engine. Other benefits to using Toyota Long Life Antifreeze Coolant are:
Will not clog radiators from silicone "gelling."

Will not corrode aluminum surfaces like coolants that contain borate.

Helps protect water pump seals.
Ethylene-glycol type coolant should be used in your Toyota vehicle, as it provides for proper corrosion protection of aluminum components, protection at lower temperatures, and it has the ability to be used year round.

Toyota recommends Genuine Toyota Long Life Antifreeze Coolant (factory red fluid) as the first choice when maintaining your vehicle. Toyota coolant was developed to meet the specific requirements of our engines and provides maximum protection without the use of harmful silicates. Silicates, a main ingredient in the vast majority of antifreeze coolants, can actually damage the water pump seal, causing leakage. Our coolant is a high-performance, non-silicate coolant that provides better protection for metals without deterioration of the water pump seal.

Genuine Toyota Long Life Antifreeze Coolant is available at your local Toyota dealership.

 

The major drawback of using it is that it is:

1. Expensive

2. It will not mix with anything, other than, Toyota Red. It cannot be topped up with water, and cannot be topped up with standard blue/green/pink coolant bought off the shelf. When mixed with other fluids, it has been known to granulate and form lumps/pellets.

 

Bear in mind that when using normal "off the shelf" glycol-based anti-freeze, you can always top-up with water in the case of an emergency or should the need arise.

 

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