Which antifreeze?

[dave52]

Have an unopened gallon of the green prestone concentrate antifreeze. Can I use this in my 97 Camry for a coolant flush or do I have to get the official Toyota antifreeze at the dealer $$$??

Thanks
Dave

[bdy0003]

Toyota red coolant mixed with conventional green

Don't forget to search the forum before posting! Thanks.

[Fortified Souls]

I would look for Peak Global lifetime at a store like Napa or Zerex Asian formula if you don't want to go to the dealer. Zerex only comes in a 50/50 mix though.

[95PimpingCamry]

If you currently have green in the car, yes it will be fine.

If you currently have red in the car, you would have to COMPLETELY flush the system out first. If you mix red and green antifreeze it will create deposits and possibly clog the system.

There are really only 2 rules to follow:
1) Don't mix red and green antifreeze
2) If using concentrate, only mix with DISTILLED water. Tap water (and sometimes filtered water) can leave deposits in the system.

Follow those 2 rules and you'll be fine.

[JohnGD]

Prestone has not sold the traditional green silicated antifreeze for a long time. It's the "All makes" Dexcool clone now. I'm not sure about the shelf life of the inhibitor. But > 5 years I probably won't use it. You can call Prestone and ask for a more accurate answer. Can't remember from reading posts.

The Toyota super long life coolant, Zerex Asian Vehicles coolant, Peak Global are all organic acid type coolants that use phosphates in place of the problematic plasticizer 2EHA acid used in Dexcool. If you have the 5SFE bi-metal engine (aluminum head and iron block), then I'd stick to the Toyota Red every 2 years/30K miles. Besides, you'll have the hang loose plastic vacuum valve on the radiator cap that lets air in. Organic acid type coolants hate that and can turn to gel when air is in the system.

The silicated old green is excellent in bi-metal engines and so is the G-05 low silicate coolant. However, if there is cheap rubber pump seal in there then silicates will wear them out much sooner than pumps with carbide seals. Most Asian pumps come with less expensive rubber seals, so they require no silicates in the coolant.

Originally Posted by dave52

Have an unopened gallon of the green prestone concentrate antifreeze. Can I use this in my 97 Camry for a coolant flush or do I have to get the official Toyota antifreeze at the dealer $$$??

Thanks
Dave