Engine Coolant level in Camry 03 is lower than "LOW" indicator level. Should I take it to the mechanic or top it off using etylene glycol based antifreeze from Prestone? Although the emperature pointer remains in the center while I drive the vehicle, I don't know if I can drive like this or have to top-off the level ASAP.
2006-12-20 15:49:24 · 6 answers · asked by rasty 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Toyota
First of all, topping off with straight anti-freeze isn't always a good idea. The reason is that the additives in anti-freeze can precipitate out and form sludge if they are too concentrated.
The right way to do this is to buy a hydrometer at the parts store, and test the concentration of your remaining anti-freeze. If the glycol concentration is low, then add anti-freeze. If it's high, add water. If it's correct, add 50/50. When adding water, always used distilled or de-ionized water (available at any supermarket) to prevent sludge.
You can safely mix glycol antifreezes, but you need to mind the additive packages. Don't use Dexcool antifreeze unless current charge is Dexcool. You can mix and match any non-Dexcool antifreezes if you wish. Toyota "red" antifreeze is a low-phosphate anti-freeze, and will be compatible with Prestone green (non-Dexcool).
2006-12-20 23:07:53 · answer #1 · answered by anywherebuttexas 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
3 ideas
Open your overflow tank see what color you have and go to a Napa type store and buy what you need. 50 / 50 mix should be okay, but ideal is 66/33 if you are in super hot or cold areas. There is Red and Green. Different colors are used to make sure your engine / radiator do not corride
Go to Toyota, buy antifreeze from them to make sure you have correct "color" antifreeze.
Or even easier go to Toyota for a oil change, they normally top of all fluids for free!
If you are at the bottom of safe area, may want to track how much you are losing over time. ie leak external or worse internal
2006-12-22 00:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by M B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can top it off yourself for free or take it to a mechanic and pay an unreasonable amount for something very simple. Your temp. pointer probably remains relatively cool as you drive the car due to cool air hitting your radiator. But car will probably heat up if you let it sit and idle for a while. I would suggest topping it off yourself.
:-)~
2006-12-20 15:56:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO NO NO do not do this. Use only TOYOTA red antifreeze Regular anti freeze will cause corrosion in the aluminum heads. DONT DO IT
2006-12-20 16:03:30 · answer #4 · answered by Justheretohelp 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
make sure you use the prestone that have a label in the front saying (mix any kind of coolant)
2006-12-21 03:03:25 · answer #5 · answered by LEXUSRY 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL !
2006-12-20 16:29:42 · answer #6 · answered by Michael 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋