Antifreeze / Coolant - Red, Pink, Green ???

I went to Toyota once and they gave me red and I diluted it, then I went another time and they gave me pink. The service adviser said it doesn't make a difference if you remember to dilute the red.

 

I just picked up some red from the dealer a few days ago. I have an 02 and they said that was the year they switched so it can be a toss up.

Red needs to be diluted but the instructions don't say to use distilled water.

Edit: got pink/red mixed up, lol. Dilute red, pink is premixed.

 

You should always use distilled water when available

 

Interesting that it doesn't say that in the directions. I only added a little to my reservoir so I'll dilute the rest with distilled water.

Also the red comes out to be a bit cheaper since you get 2x as much when you dilute it.

 

I really doubt it will do any catastrophic damage, but that's just what I've always heard and it makes sense

 

Yeah it shouldnt have to be written anywhere to know to use distilled water. Always use it. The minerals in normal water will solidify and cause buildup of crusties.

 

As far as the tossup between the oem red and pink, its the same motor so as long as you use one or the other no harm no foul. Dont sweat it. I personally just wouldn't mix the two...

 

Drives me friggin nuts when places, especially a dealership, hire guys with no fuckin experience with anything vehicle related! I dont get it. Its gotta hurt sales in the long run. Im sure you prolly will be fairly reluctant to ever go back because of that type of experience.

 

I'm considering doing the same with my next coolant flush.

 

Depending on the year of your vehicle.. The newer than 96 radiators are made from different stuff than the old tried and true ones. Just take one to a repair shop and you'll find they can't do anything but clean them usually. The engines are made from different materials also. Different colored stuff is to help identify the components that will keep the coolant from deteriorating the metals in the engine and system. I've usually been the old green stuff as well... and true any coolant is coolant. However as time goes on material will wear more and different than desired. If you plan on only keeping your vehicle for a couple years then getting rid of it.. the tried and true green would work. If you need to keep it for a long time and want to keep from buying radiators and other expensive repairs then stay with the coolant with the matching ingredients that was recommended by manufacturer. Everyone has their own opinions about this but I did more research a as a mechanic that does those repairs I tell you there is a difference that someday will show it's ugly face.

 

I understand your issue too. I personally went to a dealership and applied for a job. 30 years experience and they wouldn't hire me. They did hire a couple of kids tho. Guess they figured I was too old to be able to do a good job.

 

The only way I'd go back is if it was an emergency where I couldn't wait for shipping AND I had a part number in hand. I wouldn't trust the parts counter guys make me a sandwich unless there was a schematic telling them which jar is peanut butter and which is jelly.

 

I will avoid Dealerships as well. Most just a job. Don't really care about anything except the easy stuff. Kinda like most doctors. Go in with severe stomach pain and you get rolaids and /or told you have a cold. I try to do all the research I can prior to getting the part then I usually try to go to a parts store before dealership. Can't always trust that person behind the part store counter either. Just a job then go home. Don't really care about Really helping get right... most of the time.

 

They would likely as not get he wrong flavor of jelly for the sandwitch and figure it won't cost them anything if you need to drive 75 miles to exchange it later.

 

I was told by a good Toyota tech a while back to use this stuff in all my foreign jobs (subaru, honda, toyota). Its cheap and been using it for many years.

http://www.peakauto.com/products/antifreeze-coolants/automotive/global-lifetime-full-strength/

 

DO NOT GO TO THE DEALER.
I found it going for 20-25 or so at a CarQuest autoparts store, yes its the OEM stuff.
See if you have one around.

I mixed it 50-50 with distilled water (which is what the bottle says to do)

 

Agreed.
The cooling system is designed to use a particular fluid blend which is coolant and lubricant. That means use it, instead of cheaping out for $10/gallon and using something else.

Oh, and let me know how those inner tube based tires work for you. Those were used for 50 years on automobiles.

 

Since I buy my Toyotas used and then fix them. I usually flush them with a flush and distilled water till they come out clear. Then I use Toyota Red with a 50/50 mix.

 

Toyota Genuine Fluid 00272-SLLC2 Long Life Coolant - 1 Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SL8568/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KvN0xb054XE2F

24.85 Amazon prime price

 

And you would be completely, positively, 100% conspiracy theory wrong. There are specifications for coolants based on materials used inside the engine components, one of the most common in regards to Toyota's is non compatible coolant eating the water pump and causing premature failure. Even worse is not flushing the old coolant completely and causing gelling/sludge formation due to the chemical reactions which clog passages and cause over heating/leaks. At the end of the day do your thing, it's your $$$.

OP my recommendation is to use Toyota Long Life (red) or Toyota Super Long Life (pink). You're saving a little bit buying Zerex or whatever else auto parts stores have but sometimes OEM really is the best solution.