Prestone VS red Toyota coolant from dealer

The Toyota product is Ethylene Glycol

 

Maybe it's the other stuff in the ingredients that makes it different than Prestone. I know that the older ethylene glycol fluid can become acidic over time and can wreak havoc on a car.

 

Ethylene glycol is an acid alcohol it becomes corrosive when the inhibitors loose their effectiveness.

 

Zerex asian is 50/50 though, i usually like to flush my system so i use Peak Global Lifetime. Its full strength and i get it from napa

 

Amazing, Did you steal that line from your favorite Paul Reuben's movie or was that just own pure natural genius?

 

fall of 2015 took our 05 camry to independent service guy for the 100K service. He said i could change to green, but they have an unususally high occurence of those that do switch returning in about 6 mos for water pump replacement. Difference in price was about $20. Over a $100, and at least a day out of service to replace the water pump.....that said: 1.So far no water pump issues, 2. When time to change taco coolant will go with the red, for $20 peace of mind worth that, and that is oem specs

 

I have always switched to universal coolants when the OEM coolant expires. If the label on the container of a reputable coolant brand says it is compatible with all coolants from all makes and models, I don't see a reason to question it. Just be sure and flush out all the old coolant thoroughly. While you're at it, I find it a good practice to replace the thermostat, hoses and belts, and check the idler pulleys.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/us120426.htm

 

The coolant only needs to be changed every 100K. A gallon from Toyota is around $25. Is it REALLY worth it to buy something that may cause harm to your truck to save maybe $10? These formulations do vary, and there is no way to know for sure what is in any of them. It is a cocktail of corrosion inhibitors and lubricants for seals. I'm putting my bet on the Toyota product. I'm all for finding better, sometimes cheaper alternatives when it makes sense. There are some things like oil filters and coolant that I gladly get from Toyota.

 

You're using undiluted coolant in your engine?

 

I have been wanting to know the same thing?

 

No sorry i mix it with distilled myself lol. When you do a flush with distilled only, some stays in the block. Thats why i get the full strength so i can get the ratio correct. Otherwise putting 5050 in with the leftover distilled would throw off the ratio.
Also for some of us, its more about availability, its easier and closer to hit a local store then the dealer.

 

^^^ what he said...

I have never bought pre-mixed coolant. There was no such thing when I started working on vehicles.

I'm not paying the same price a gallon for 50% water.

Also prefer a 60/40 mix just because that is what I always used.

... and the 100K mile stuff also states 5 years or 100K miles, not unlimited years.

 

That's racist.....

 

On my new 09, I changed the OEM coolant for Prestone 2 years in. I did a flush first, then replaced it. The coolant gets drained, flushed and replaced every two years. Almost 8 years in and I have not had any cooling related problems to-date.

 

For Comparison of ingredients, here is the Valvoline product for 11.97 at Walmart-about $1 less expensive than Zerex on Amazon. Slight difference with Sebacic Acid vs Sodium Benzoate and the oh so secret and speshul proprietary stuff. I'll continue to use the less expensive product, but the 50/50 Valvoline is only rated to -34. If I ever moved to a stupid cold state like the Dakotas or Interior AK, I would mix in some non diluted to beef it up.

I never do full changes though-just drain and refill radiator. I have an awesome mix of Toyota, Valvoline, and Zerex in my truck.

 

where do you put those things... never mind, I don't want to know

 

I wont be overly concerned with -34F. I live Iin a very cold part of Canada and new cars are shipped at around -37°C (-34°F). We see -40 and it still doesnt freeze. Also a fun fact about antifreeze, the best freeze protection is at 60/40 (W/A). Mixing it with more antifreeze reduces your freeze protection.

 

Sorry sir I have to call BS on your statement in bold. Either it be "heard it on the Internet" or manufactures' false advertising.

 

But the free egg roll....

 

Regardless of what you end up using, remember coolant is only good for 5 years, them it starts turning acidic. (Once all the inhinpbitors are gone)