Any-color coolant?

[Vikas]

I have three different Asian cars and if one coolant can be used for top off, I would much rather use that than buying 3 jugs of three different coolants. Actually, I already have purchased the Toyota red but was not sure if that can be used in Honda/Nissan. I paid almost $25 for that jug :-(

- Vikas

 

[Kaie]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
I have three different Asian cars and if one coolant can be used for top off, I would much rather use that than buying 3 jugs of three different coolants. Actually, I already have purchased the Toyota red but was not sure if that can be used in Honda/Nissan. I paid almost $25 for that jug :-(

- Vikas


I dont think any of them are the same honestly. My mechanic claims Toyota coolant is DexCool. Ive never looked it up or researched. Those are just his words.

I believe Honda's whole deal is no silicates. Which i also believe is something VAG has been going back and forth on with the G coolants. Again, this is just something i've heard.

I truly believe the best rule of thumb is use what the manufacture tells you to. I really think thats the best thing.

Most people would agree any coolant is fine in any car as long as its flushed..... ie not mixing it.

 

[UNC017]

Originally Posted By: Kaie

I believe Honda's whole deal is no silicates. Which i also believe is something VAG has been going back and forth on with the G coolants. Again, this is just something i've heard.


Yes, most Asian formulas are zero-silicate. IMO, that's a red herring- silicates are not an issue if changed on schedule and in the right formulation (G-05 is good for 5 years/100k miles in OEM applications, and it has silicates). Silicates also are still, bar none, the best protection for aluminum.

But... I'd do what the manufacturer says. Phosphates, while not as good as silicates, seem plenty good for the Asian manufacturers.

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
I have three different Asian cars and if one coolant can be used for top off, I would much rather use that than buying 3 jugs of three different coolants. Actually, I already have purchased the Toyota red but was not sure if that can be used in Honda/Nissan. I paid almost $25 for that jug :-(

- Vikas


There are 2 Japanese coolants, type 1 2 year formula and type 2 extended life used in about all Japanese vehicles although they may have different color dyes. Toyota red longlife ~'88-'04 and toyota pink super long life ~'05-present. While it is best to top up with the exact same formula, the first in second type are basically compatible. You could also top up with Zerex AVF, Peak Global or even Dexclone. There could be some dye color clash although dexclone and global are dyed with a nonclashing color. Again it's best to use the exact same formula but all these OAT and HOATS are similar and basically compatible.