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Basic Question about Mixing fluids

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by TacomaToby, Aug 10, 2025 at 12:37 PM.

  1. Aug 11, 2025 at 2:50 PM
    #21
    Inyo_man

    Inyo_man Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.

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    As others have stated, changing all the fluids in a newly purchased used vehicle is the way to go.
    I'd also recommend checking the serpentine belt (and replacing if needed), and checking the front brake pads (and replacing if needed).

    Cheers
     
    Barsoom likes this.
  2. Aug 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
    #22
    TenBeers

    TenBeers Well-Known Member

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    Yeah.
    And check the headlight fluid. If it's low, your high beams won't be aimed right.

    I kid, I kid.

    If you are worried about it, change the fluids. Seems like the previous owner took decent care of it, so I wouldn't worry too much. Get out the maintenance manual and do what it says.
     
  3. Aug 11, 2025 at 3:44 PM
    #23
    Smacky2020

    Smacky2020 Well-Known Member

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    Stock wheels and suspension. Random "utilitarian" mods featured on this great forum.
    When I did my ps fluid, I flushed by popping off the return and dumping that into a clear bottle. The suck/refill works too but is slower and works by dilution. If you don't want to run your truck while doing it, just jack up the front so you can turn the wheel. Full lock back to center is almost the entire reservoir just to give you an idea of how often to exchange/refill. I used Valvoline DexMerc (blue bottle).

    If you don't know the history or question the quality and will be doing your own, just replace them all in the next couple months. Depending if things are rusty, diffs are very quick as would the TC be. Transmission and coolant are pretty quick too.

    20240720_121502.jpg
    20240720_114553.jpg
     
    Inyo_man likes this.
  4. Aug 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
    #24
    RichochetRabbit

    RichochetRabbit Bing Bing Bing

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    Why deprive the OP of a valuable tool?

    BlinkerFluid.png
     
    rtzx9r likes this.
  5. Aug 12, 2025 at 8:40 AM
    #25
    Barsoom

    Barsoom Well-Known Member

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    Fancy. I just use a Turkey baster. Inside is all cloudy from cleaning it with a brake cleaner, but is till works.

    @TacomaToby depending where you are, you may benefit from synthetic dex III fluid in the steering system. I use syn Dex III (Mobil) or semi-syn MaxLife ATF, and it made steering more responsive in low temps in AK.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2025 at 8:51 AM
    Inyo_man likes this.
  6. Aug 12, 2025 at 8:43 AM
    #26
    Barsoom

    Barsoom Well-Known Member

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    Walmart sells Peak Toyota compatible coolant also, both 50/50 and Concentrate.

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/PEAK-OET-Antifreeze-Coolant-for-Asian-Vehicles-Red-Pink/559545127
    https://www.walmart.com/ip/OET-Exte...-Coolant-for-Asian-Vehicles-1-Gal/17296710776

    Another option is Zerex Asian vehicles (long time favorite on BITOG):
    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Zerex-Asian-Vehicle-Red-50-50-Prediluted-Antifreeze/144057949

    I keep a jug of golden colored Zerex Asian on hand for mixing/topping off Hyundai and Toyota coolants. It does not change respective green and red colors.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2025 at 8:49 AM
  7. Aug 13, 2025 at 8:26 AM
    #27
    TenBeers

    TenBeers Well-Known Member

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    Yeah.
    My understanding is that the Toyota red (IAT) is not the same as the Toyota pink (OAT). Most premium brands like Prestone, etc., offer a universal that will mix with anything, but I'd stick to the Toyota pink or equivalent.
     
  8. Aug 13, 2025 at 9:46 AM
    #28
    Barsoom

    Barsoom Well-Known Member

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    Links I posted are for P-OAT coolants, Phosphated Organic Acid coolants, same as Toyota Pink coolant, Super Long Life Coolant P-OAT. They are not universal coolants.
    Red is Toyota' Long Life Coolant. After the the initial change Pink is good for 5 years/50K, red for 2 years/30K. Pink can be used and mixed with red coolants in as per Toyota, that's why the brands I linked to say Red/Pink.

    Prestones's versions of Universal AND non-universal coolants has the gasket eating 2eha additive (it is cheap), so I stay away from the Preston stuff altogether.

    Incidentally, Nissan's blue coolant uses the same chemistry as Toyota's pink, but has blue die added to it, same for Subaru, but with a green die.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2025 at 9:59 AM

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