I was about to change my rad fluid, and noticed that instead of being green, its red. Now I've never changed the coolant and Ive had the car for about a year. How can I tell if the fluid is the toyota red coolant or dex-cool? Also, Can I just flush it out and put regular ol' green stuff back in?
Thanks!

 

Search, this was discussed in the past and I don't remember what the consensus opinion on Toyota Red was but I remember that coolant WITHOUT silicone? or silica? is preferred. If you flush it out don't forget to run the heater to flush the heater core also.

 

First off, you CAN replace your coolant with the green antifreeze. I would NOT recommend using Dexcool as your system was not designed for it. Last but not least, Toyota coolant is the same as green, it just uses a different dye in it. Good luck.

 

I know this. My question is how do I identify between toyota red and dex-cool. My car came with the red fluid when I bought it and I dont know what the previous owner was using.
Thanks

 

They look so similiar, their is no real way to tell unless you send your coolant in somewhere to have it analyzed. If you get any air in your system, the Dexcool will turn to sludge, which is why I STRONGLY suggest not using it.

 

Ok thanks, I guess I'll take my car into the shop this one time to get it checked, and changed back to green properly, then I'll do it myself from then on

 

There's no way to tell Toyota Red from Dexcool which is why Toyota is changing their color to pink.

I would assume it's Dexcool therefore, since it's more common and people buy into the marketing hype, and completely flush and refill with either Toyota red or regular green. Make sure it's ALL gone. I'd run clear water through at least once to make sure. You CANNOT mix Dexcool with anything.

Toyota Red(pink) is compat. with any regular green antifreeze but it is better because it contains no silicates or borates that can harm the water pump seals. It's also more expensive. I use it along with many other Max owners here with no problems.

-RMB