Lexus Coolant FAQ
Flows from the engine to the radiator and back again, transferring heat from the Lexus engine to the ambient air. Protects internal engine components.
Service Interval: 30k-150k or 2 years to 6 years
Typical green ethylene glycol coolants are good for 2 years or 30k miles. Other coolants will have longer service intervals. Use a hygrometer to test for freeze/boilover point. Add, remove or replace as needed to ensure proper protection. A voltmeter with the positive lead in the coolant (open the radiator cap) and the negative lead to an engine ground will show voltage. If the voltage is more than about one half of a volt, then there is a voltage problem and most likely a galvanic reaction is occurring in the coolant system.
Why do we replace/service:
Coolants have corrosion inhibitors to protect and lubricate the water pump, thermostat and other materials in the cooling system. Over time, these wear out.
What happens if we don’t service:
As coolant wears out, corrosion inside the system sets in and soft materials such as aluminum start to corrode quickly. Due to dissimilar metals used in different parts of the cooling system, coolant can actually become acidic and even produce an electrical charge like a battery. The most important part of coolant is to protect from freezing and give additional boil over protection as well. This can be tested with a hygrometer to ensure proper protection.
General Recommendations:
Service the system long before it is due and try to avoid mixing different types of coolant. There are many universal long life coolants that work well in most systems.
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