Toyota OE Red vs. Zerex Asian coolant

Red is LL (Long Life). Pink is SLL (Super Long Life). Pink is the new red.

 

I just bought a gallon from Toyota. I think it was around $25.00. It is the pre-diluted pink though. I'm like you. It isn't cost prohibitive to just buy the right stuff from Toyota. With all the different formulations of anti-freeze these days I'd rather be safe than sorry. The days of one "good ol green" are long gone. There is no telling what these engines have inside them and what the factory coolant has in it to work with the materials inside their engines. For 5 or 10 bucks I can't see not getting the factory coolant but that's just me. It's not like Zerex is a poor quality coolant after all.

 

The other drain is a block drain. My 2.7 has one as well. It's a pain to get to but I loosen the block drain as well as, obviously, the radiator petcock when I change my coolant. You'll get more coolant out if you use the block drain. I suppose if you change you're coolant very regularly and it's always on the new side using the block drain wouldn't be necessary.

 

For those interested in a comprehensive tutorial on differences in automotive coolants, this article is a great read:
https://www.machinerylubrication.com/read/841/coolant-fundamentals
From OReilly's:
https://images.oreillyauto.com/uploads/pdf/ad/SD_672 AFZ Comparison Chart-1.pdf

Contrary to popular belief, coolant's only job isn't just to make contact with your radiator. In fact, in many cases, it's its job to prevent direct contact with metal.

From someone with a good deal of trial and error with coolant loops in PC watercooling, I can tell you with conviction it is important to match certain ingredients in coolant loops with mixed materials.
While the composition of a coolant can not be told by its color, for our vehicles, I believe valid options only come in forms of pink/red and blue. From the article, it seems imperative that we avoid any types with silicates (green, yellow, specifically) due to seal/gasket composition and premature breakdown. (I'm looking at you, water pump.)
From Valvoline/Zerex: https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/antifreeze-products/antifreeze-education/engine-coolant

I've gone with Zerex Asian Formula in the past, and will continue to do so. If you are really anal about getting that Sodium Benzoate from the dealer for $10 more per gallon + inconvenience, then power to ya. The only acceptable time to put that old green or yellow stuff in your Taco is in emergency, and you should do a flush asap to avoid silicate deposits throughout the loop. It's just a shame we can't get concentrate - its so much cheaper to self-dilute.

 

I will say its easier for new home mechanics to buy the 50/50 but I agree.