mix 2 kinds coolant=-

Discuss any maintenance you've done to your Vibe & Matrix and ask how to perform maintenance on your vehicle
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jamesmetairie
Posts: 256
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 6:12 am
Location: new orleans

mix 2 kinds coolant=-

Post by jamesmetairie »

05 base vibe.
just over 100,000 miles.
coolant was low.
i assume it is original coolant in vibe,couldn,r figure the color.
i topped it with prestone any/kind, anycolor.



i,ve fully replaced old dexcool in my 98 lumina with prestone with no problems.
am i safe in assuming it,ll be good for topping off in the vibe

thanks for any advice.
ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: mix 2 kinds coolant=-

Post by ehoff121 »

The factory fill was Toyota Long Life and was pink.

Was the Prestone 50/50 pre-mixed? I'd be more concerned about the ratio of coolant to water (and might even add distilled water instead since there's not a lot of freezing going on in New Orleans... :D )

Many have done a flush with distilled water, then refilled with either Toyota pink or Xerex Asian.
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
Caretaker

Re: mix 2 kinds coolant=-

Post by Caretaker »

The Xerex Asian, like the OEM Toyota Super Long Life Coolant that came in your car are non Borate, non Silicate formulas. I'd stick with that. Even if your local store doesn't carry Xerex Asian, I have seen other brands labeled as "Toyota Pink" formula sold in stores. My local parts store as well as my Sears Auto Center had no issues in ordering up Xerex Asian for me at no additional charge. It is sold at a good price and is out there to be had. It just isn't readily stocked at Walmart and most auto parts stores like Pep Boys.
petervivian
Posts: 301
Joined: Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:52 am
Location: AR

Re: mix 2 kinds coolant=-

Post by petervivian »

In case someone changed the coolant , you can twist the radiator petcock and drain a little bit of the coolant to verify it.
The original coolant should be toyota super long life. They are around 20-30 dollars at dealers. As caretaker has mentioned, other brand coolant with comparable contents costs much less.
05 Vibe (Frosty), 13 VW CC (Fortana Red)
10vibe
Posts: 229
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 10:52 pm

Re: mix 2 kinds coolant=-

Post by 10vibe »

What Caretaker said. :D

https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/ ... ze-coolant
Both in red (pinkish) or blue dye packs. Napa usually carries Zerex Asian. Oreilley's sometimes stocks it.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Zerex-675130 ... /144057949

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-As ... n/49660461
I have seen this stocked at a Walmart store. Probably the same as zerex, but possibly the blue dye packs.
Customer questions at the bottom of the page talks about it. A customer review makes it sound like it is pink though.
2010 Vibe 1.8 auto, fwd, base, air, preferred package, cargo mgt, cargo cover, ultra white.
jolt
Posts: 945
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:07 am
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Re: mix 2 kinds coolant=-

Post by jolt »

As ehoff121 referred to, use distilled water to top off. Check your antifreeze strength with a cheap tester to make sure you do not get the antifreeze to deluded.

Tester: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-PLEWS-5-BAL ... rmvSB=true

If the pH level is below 7.0, you need to change your coolant. You can buy pH test paper to test the pH of the antifreeze and see if it is acidic. If the pH drops to low, the antifreeze will dissolve gaskets and metal from the water jacket and passages in the engine over time. Most people just change the antifreeze every 5 years.
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