Will Dex-Cool kill my Camry?

[kesando]

In a Pinch I got my radiator replaced today as I needed my car for work tonight. When I bought my DX I4 it already had Dex-cool in the cooling system so naturally thats what they put back in without mixing with water.
http://www.pennzoil.com/products/ancillary/dexcool.html

I have read some good/bad things about dex-cool but for the most part have read that toyota red/pink is best for our cars so Im a bit confused...

*Does anybody here use Dex-cool straight or 50/50?

*I read that the problems with Dex-Cool become evident when used for an extended time (bad seals, corrosion, etc.). Will changing antifreeze every year and flushing every two years negate any potential problems with Dex-cool? Car will be Driven about 10k miles a year 60% Highway.

*Will switching antifreeze cause more problems than prevent?


BTW the car runs a little cooler now (slightly below half) after service was done and fan doesn't cut on as much. Car was fine before but radiator was developing a bad leak as it was original. Timing Belt/Water Pump done 17k miles ago.

Thankyou in advance for your responses

[toyomoho]

A Google search will result in a LOT of hits on this subject. There have been a few lawsuits.

It appears this coolant has issues if: air gets into the cooling system as in consistent low coolant level or defective radiator cap. Not changing the coolant frequently enough (long life apparently does not mean 100K-150K miles), using a coolant/water mix of less then 50/50, mixing coolants brands, putting Dex-Cool into systems not designed for it.

If all this is true don't know. Given the extent of questions about this fluid my position is why bother when Toyota brand is under $20. There is Zerex G0-5 and a host of other coolants that don't have the stigma Dex-Cool has, deserved or not.

[TVISMR2]

Drain it, flush it, TOYOTA RED it. End of story