Why Does Toyota Use Red Coolant?

If you are planning on owning a Toyota you must know the right kind of coolant. If you use the wrong type, there is a risk that it ends up damaging the car.

So, why does Toyota use the red coolant?

The red or pink type of coolant is a Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT). This is the latest option and is designed to keep the car functioning properly. 

It lasts longer and helps protect aluminum components from damage.

The coolant color isn’t just for decoration. You must make sure that you are using the right type. Keep reading to learn more about the type of coolant that Toyota vehicles will use.

Importance Of Your Toyota’s Coolant

Let’s start by briefly talking about the role that coolant plays in your car. This substance is a mixture of water and antifreeze. There are a few important roles that coolant plays. 

These include:

• Regulates engine temperature. This will stop your engine from experiencing temperature extremes. The heat is transferred into the liquid coolant, where it can be safely removed from the engine. If this didn’t happen, your car would overheat.
  
• Keeps oils liquid. Without engine coolant, there is a risk that the oils in your engine would boil in the summer and freeze in the winter.
  
• Protect engine components. The coolant will also protect metal, rubber, and plastic parts. It will stop them from degrading.
  
• Lubricating the engine. The coolant helps lubricate engine components, ensuring that the car runs smoothly.
  

Types of Coolant

There are a few types of coolant that you can use. Let’s break each of them down.

Green-Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT)

This is the traditional option and is the cheapest to purchase. This is based on Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT). You’ll need to change this type of coolant most frequently. 

Often, you’ll need to replace it every three years. If you don’t do this, it can start corroding the metal in your engine. Today, this is usually generally limited to older vehicles.

Orange-Organic Acid Technology

These are a step-up from IAT. They will last longer and pose less of an environmental risk if you spill some. Usually, these will last for around five years.

Red-Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)

These represent the latest in coolant technology, used in most modern cars. This coolant will last longer and will do a better job of protecting the engine. 

There are a few other HOAT colors available, like turquoise, pink, and purple. The color that you pick will depend on the model of your vehicle.

Which Type Of Coolant Is The Best?

Now that we have a quick overview of the types of coolants on the market, we can focus on finding the best one for your car. Generally, it’s recommended that you use HOAT. 

Toyota either uses a red or pink HOAT. There are a few advantages that this coolant color can provide. These include:

• Longer lasting. They will last for seven years or every 150,000 miles. They can achieve this longevity because they use fewer electrically conductive materials, slowing the rate of degradation.
  
• Better protection. They have added silicates. This helps protect aluminum components, which features prominently in most modern engines.
  
• Less electrical interference. Because it has less electrical conductivity, it won’t interfere with the electrical system in your car.
  

Which Color Coolant To Use In Your Toyota

There are two types of HOAT coolant that are commonly used in Toyotas. These are red and pink. The best one for you will depend on the age of the vehicle. 

Pink is designed to protect engines that have aluminum parts. This makes them the best choice for modern vehicles. On the other hand, Red is designed for non-aluminum engines, this makes them the best choice for older models.

If you are in doubt about the right type of coolant, it’s best to talk to your mechanic. They will point out the right one. 

They can also help you change the coolant when the time comes. Usually, they will check and fill the coolant during your scheduled service.

What Happens When You Mix Coolant Colors?

You can use any type of coolant in your car engine. However, you cannot use two different colors of coolant together. They will have a different chemical composition. 

As a result, they will form a gel, rather than a liquid.

When this happens, the coolant system will get clogged up. This will cause the car to overheat. This will then cause a lot of damage to your engine. 

For example, the gasket heads might become warped. Once your car has overheated, it also may no longer start. 

You’ll need to take it to the mechanic, where you will be presented with a huge repair bill.

Switching To A Different Type Of Coolant

The red HOAT coolant might be the preferred choice for your Toyota but you can change to a different option. The only reason why you would consider doing this is if you wanted to save some money. 

Green coolants will be cheaper to buy, but you’ll only be saving a few dollars. When considering the benefit that you will be gaining, it often isn’t worth it.

If you do want to change the type of coolant you are using, you’ll need to completely drain the old coolant. You don’t want the two types to mix together. 

To drain the coolant, you’ll need to follow this procedure:

1. Drain the radiator. There should be a valve or hose beneath the radiator to allow you to do this. It will take at least ten minutes to fully drain.
   
2. Flush it out. Close the valve. Fill the radiator with distilled water. Run for the vehicle for ten minutes, then shut off the car and drain the radiator.
   
3. Add the fresh coolant. There should be a line to tell you how much to add to the engine. You will also need to add this to the overflow tank. Run the vehicle for a few minutes, to make sure that nothing is leaking.
   

Final Thoughts

Picking the right type of coolant for your car is critical. It ensures that it will be able to keep running smoothly, stopping the car from overheating. 

Generally, you will need to use a red or pink coolant for your Toyota. This has been designed using the latest technology, ensuring that it will last for a long time and offer superior protection to the engine.