Antifreeze

[ginger]

I just changed my antifreeze and used Prestone. The manual says use a good brand of ethylene-glycol. Does anyone know the difference between Toyotas Antifreeze and Prestone? The antifreeze that was removed was red and Prestone is green...is there a problem mixing them?

[BadBrad]

This was not a good idea! A lot of discussion on the internet about why you don't mix antifreeze types. All of it indicates a bad move.

[jgr7]

When you encounter the red -Dex-Cool type of antifreeze that is the original from factory you should always keep that type. It is a long life type and needs less frequent changes due to better corrosion inhibitors. The green type contains silicates that are a bit abrasive and will plate the inside of the engine, they are also a little harder on the water pump due to the silicates and should be changed every 2 years. If you did a good job of getting ALL of the red stuff out you should be ok, however once you introduce the green type into your system it should always be used. The silicates that plate the inside of the engine will keep the corrosion inhibitors from doing there job. You could use the red stuff again but it should now be changed every 2 years. Rule of thumb if it came with green from the manufacturer use green, if it came with red stick with red. There is more to this but I hope it helps. The main thing is that you don't mix the two together and never let a car with the red stuff run low on fluid in a cast iron block as the engine will rust when not covered with the coolant and then when fluid splashes onto this rust it it will pick it up and can cause the so called gelling of the red fluid that you here about.

Jeff

[Lexusfreak]

I'd go with the new (Pink colour) 'Toyota super long life engine coolant' B)