What's considered "normal" coolant loss?

[ucbedge]

Hi all,
My 2010 Toyota Highlander is about 2 years old now with 25,000 miles on the odometer. I did my normal check of fluids today and noticed that the coolant level in the reservoir was low.

Two questions:
1) Can I just use any antifreeze/coolant or does it have to be a specific type?

2) In my experience with cars, the only time a car would lose coolant would be with a cracked radiator, a leaky hose, or a blown head gasket. I haven't noticed any leaks and the oil looks good.

Is my coolant loss considered "normal"? The reason I'm asking is that I'm approaching my 30K mile warranty expiration and want to make sure any major repairs come before 30K.

Thanks!

[dallen3737]

Are you looking at the level in the reservoir tank? The level in the tank will be lower when the engine is cold. A little loss is normal, you can usually smell an antifreeze leak before you see it.

[ucbedge]

Yes, I'm looking at the reservoir tank. When I last checked the tank, it was about halfway between "full" and "fill." Now it's at the "fill" line. Even after the engine (and coolant) is warm, it stays at the "fill" line.

I'm having the Toyota dealer check it out tomorrow. My understanding is that the cooling system is a closed system and very little, if any coolant, should be "lost". In fact, isnt the system pressurized?

Originally Posted by dallen3737

Are you looking at the level in the reservoir tank? The level in the tank will be lower when the engine is cold. A little loss is normal, you can usually smell an antifreeze leak before you see it.

[lucky777]

you shouldn't loose any coolant. Your most likely culprit is a water pump, check for pinkish residue around it. I doubt you'll smell anything if it is a slow leak.

[05Moose]

Originally Posted by ucbedge

Yes, I'm looking at the reservoir tank. When I last checked the tank, it was about halfway between "full" and "fill." Now it's at the "fill" line. Even after the engine (and coolant) is warm, it stays at the "fill" line.

I'm having the Toyota dealer check it out tomorrow. My understanding is that the cooling system is a closed system and very little, if any coolant, should be "lost". In fact, isnt the system pressurized?

The reservoir is not pressurized/sealed (has to allow air into the reservoir when drawing coolant into the radiator, so it can't be sealed). Over time, you lose coolant from the reservoir due to evaporation. Yours doesn't sound normal though. Can't recall offhand the size of the reservoir on the HL compared to the Taco, but the Taco went from full down to fill after about 6 years due to evaporation (and that may depend also on climate).