Toyota is one of the most famous car makers in the automotive industry. Specific to the discussion is the periodical change of the coolant that protects its engines. The rule is to change your antifreeze after 30,000 miles. Toyota, however, has specific recommendations on when to go in for a coolant flush service. They also have directives on the type of products to use while at it.
How Long Does Toyota Super Long Life Coolant Last?
The question regarding Toyota’s Super Long Life Coolant lifetime is a topic of interest in the motor industry. However, Toyota says the coolant can give up to 100,000 miles of optimal performance. The coolant specific to Toyota engines goes beyond the standard engine coolants for effectiveness and reliability. In addition, the corrosion inhibitors in the super long-life coolant protect the metal in the cooling system from wearing.
However, how long the Toyota Super Long Life Coolant stays ineffective depends on how well the cooling system is maintained. If the cooling system is under the correct pressure, always packed, and with the right mixture, the Super Long Life Coolant should take you through the first ten years without any problem. Unlike the standard coolants, the Toyota Super Long Life Coolant guarantees up to ten years of maximum performance. You can then change it at an interval of five years afterward, which translates to 100,000 miles then a 50,000-mile interval.
How Often Should You Change the Antifreeze?
As effective as they are, the lifespan of super long-life antifreeze is not eternal, and the coolant’s performance will reduce because of age and contamination. Therefore, a safe practice constantly changes your antifreeze every 30,000 miles or three years. It will ensure optimum engine performance and shield you from the mechanic’s shop. However, your car’s user manual will give specific instructions on the change interval depending on the manufacturer.
Going by Toyota’s recommendations, a clean, genuine, Super Long Life Coolant will serve you for ten years or 100,000 miles. That is a great driving experience considering most drivers will not be keen on beating that millage. A change at an interval of 50,000 miles should follow, which is a change after five years. Furthermore, Toyota advises a yearly check on the level and condition of the antifreeze. After hitting the 15,000 miles mark, you should take your car for service to ensure the coolant level is still appropriate. The steam and air combination is more corrosive than when it constantly mixes with the coolant, checking the coolant level.
Therefore, the yearly inspection makes sure that you address any issues arising before critical damage. In addition to the recommended periodical antifreeze change, here are signs that your car needs a change of antifreeze.
- Steam coming from the engine
- Grinding noise from under your car’s hood
- Temperature gauge reading hotter than normal
- Antifreeze leaks from beneath your car
Don’t ignore these, regardless of whether you have reached the recommended antifreeze change period. Your car is trying to tell you that it needs a coolant service.
Need To Know: Can you use RV antifreeze in a car?
How Long Does the Toyota Red Coolant Last?
The red Toyota coolant is an Inorganic Acid Technology coolant mainly used in older generation Toyota engines. The long red life has ingredients specifically meant to protect copper and other components used in older radiators. Unlike its super long-life counterpart, the red long-life has a slightly shorter life span. Toyota recommends a change of their red antifreeze after 30,000 miles or two years of consistent driving.
The old generation engine preference doesn’t mean that the red long-life coolant cant work in the latest engines. It is, infact, a suitable replacement if you decide to flush and feel like the red long-life coolant will serve your needs better. Besides, it’s cheaper compared to the pink super long-life coolant. The red coolant, however, doesn’t come diluted. Therefore, you will need a piece of advice from a qualified technician should you decide to use it as a replacement.
How Much Is Toyota Coolant Flush?
A coolant flush is draining out the used coolant from the radiator and replacing it with a fresh one. Additionally, the process removes dirt and rust from your car’s cooling system. A clogged radiator can cause overheating and wear, which leads to engine failure. Periodical flushing, therefore, prevents internal engine rust hence a longer engine life and a better car performance in general.
Coolant flushes should be on your priority list when undertaking regular maintenance. The cost depends on your service partner and the quality of the coolant. An average coolant flush will cost you between 200 to 400 dollars. The model of your car also becomes a factor that determines how much you pay for a coolant flush.
Final Thoughts
The primary role of antifreeze is to protect your engine from freezing when the weather becomes cold. However, the function doesn’t stop there as good antifreeze also acts as a cooling agent safeguarding the engine from overheating. The common recommended by Toyota for its machines are the pink Super Long Life Antifreeze and the Red Long Life Antifreeze. The Super Long Life Coolant is preferable in Toyota’s new engines, while the red antifreeze works better in the older engines.
Toyota recommends up to 100,000 miles for the pink coolant while its red coolants will be up for a change after 30,000. The chemical components of these coolants protect the metallic parts of Toyota engines from corrosion. Antifreeze acts as lubricants to the water pump seals.
As much as the coolant flush will not solve all your engine problems, changing the antifreeze in your Toyota engine will optimize its performance and gift it a longer life. However, it would be best if you didn’t use the Super Long Life Antifreeze in Toyota engines with brass and copper radiators. The corrosion inhibitors in this coolant are not effective against copper and brass. How often you change your Toyota antifreeze will depend on the age of the coolant. Also, check the recommendation on your car’s owner’s manual for more clarity.
