Toyota red vs pink coolant

What are some common differences between Toyota’s red coolant and pink coolant? Though there are quite a few differences between red coolant and pink coolant, one of the most notable is the distinction between classifications.

The red coolant is classified as an inorganic acid technology (IAT) and is considered to be a conventional form of technology. In contrast, the pink coolant is classified as an organic acid technology (OAT) and is known for lasting longer than many other coolants on the market today.

That being said, here are a few more things that you may want to know about both types.

Brief Composition of Red Coolant versus Pink Coolant

The composition of both red coolant and pink coolant are vastly different based on the technology used in their make-up. Here are the ingredients in each.

Red coolant

  • Water (7732-18-5)
  • Ethylene Glycol (107-21-1)
  • Diethylene Glycol (111-46-6)
  • Orangic Acid Salt (532-32-1)
  • Hydrated Inorganic Salt (1310-58-3)

Pink coolant

  • Water (7732-18-5)
  • Ethylene Glycol (107-21-1)
  • Diethylene Glycol (111-46-6)
  • Sebacic Acid (111-20-6)
  • Potassium Hydroxide (1310-58-3)

It is also important to note that the primary chemical difference between these two is the protection that these solutions offer. For example, Toyota pink coolant is only available in a 50/50 mixture, while the Toyota pink coolant is available in its undiluted form.

Differences between Toyota red vs pink coolant

When you compare the differences between the pink coolant and the red coolant, you will also find that there are differences in each of the following areas.

  • The pink coolant needs to be changed every 100,000 miles while the red coolant needs to be changed every 60,000 miles.
  • The pink coolant is quite a bit more expensive than the red coolant
  • Red coolant is better for older model vehicles
  • The best coolant between the two is based on the model should always be based on the model and the year of the vehicle.

Similarities between Toyota red vs pink coolant

Just like there are differences between the pink coolant and the red coolant, there are similarities between each, too. And that is, both types are sufficient for the purposes that they are intended to do.

For instance, the primary purpose of using a coolant in any vehicle is to transfer heat and prevent damage to the engine. These coolants do these functions by keeping the temperature in the engine from reaching boiling or freezing conditions.

In essence, both coolants are specifically formulated for protecting the metals and non-metallic elastomers in the engine and its cooling circuit.

Table Comparisons


Coolant Type

Type of Corrosion Protection

Optimum Performance

Model Type

Pink Coolant

OAT – Organic Additive Technology

Change every 100,000 miles

New Cars
Red CoolantIAT – Inorganic Additive TechnologyChange every 60,000 miles
Older Cars

Tips for Comparing Best Type to Use in Your Vehicle

Choosing the right type of coolant to use in your vehicle can be challenging. However, if you have access to the right information, your job can be made easily. Here are 4 tips that can assist you with selecting the best option for your vehicle.

  • Tip #1 – Choose the type of coolant that is recommended for the year and model of your vehicle.
  • Tip #2- Determine how much money you want to spend on coolant. Pink Coolant is quite a bit more expensive than coolant.
  • Tip #3 – If you want to invest in the best coolant for your vehicle, look for the best coolant type for your specific model and year.
  • Tip #4 – Check your owner’s manual for the coolant type that is the most reliable for your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will tell you which type of coolant is the best option and most reliable for your vehicle.

Best Coolant for Toyota Cars

According to Toyota’s car manual, Toyotas need a special type of coolant for their engine. Particularly, coolants that are compatible with a specific engine type.

For example, there is a specific type of coolant that is required for each car model and year. Therefore, to avoid any type of engine damage to your Toyota car, you need to make sure that you are buying the exact type/type that is recommended for your car.

This is primarily because each manufacturer has either produced or requires its unique coolant.

Typically, for Toyotas, a red coolant is considered to be the most compatible for most of their vehicles. On the other hand, some Toyota year and models can use an alternative, which may be a pink-colored coolant.

Conclusion

Should use a red coolant or a pink coolant in your Toyota?

The answer to this question may not be as simple as you may think. However, there is a wealth of information online that can help guide you through the process of selecting the right and best option for your car.

Also, as you do your research, you need to make sure that you are selecting a coolant (red or pink) that is recommended by the car’s manufacturer.

This is especially true if you are selecting a coolant for a Totota car since each manufacturer has either produced or required its unique coolant.

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