What did they put in my radiator?

[OrangeBlossom]

Hello all! I'm hoping someone can help.

I need to add some antifreeze to my 03 Vibe, but I'm not sure what kind the body shop put in it after they fixed it 3 years ago.

I've read on here that it is supposed to have the Toyota Red. But I have no idea if they put that in or something else.

So, I was wondering how I can tell what kind is, or if it matters if I mix them. I live in Georgia so freezing is not a big concern. However, it looks like we'll have a hard winter. I know it's probably time for a flush and fill but that is not in the budget right now ( i need the tuneup a lot more).

The reason I need more coolant is my heater is not hot when idling. I hope I haven't waited too long to fix it! It never occurred to me this would be the problem. My brother in law said it was the heater coil.
anyhelp would be much appreciated.

I can always just add water but I'd rather do antifreeze because of the forthcoming cold winter. I'll go look at it in the morning, but it's been too cold and rainy
thanks!

[jake75]

If it has been 3 years maybe you should just do a flush and fill with the Toyota 5 year stuff.

[trb]

Do you know for sure it is low? If so, then it is leaking somewhere and that can be a problem. The reservoir tank under the hood should show a COLD and HOT level on it and you should be able to see what color the antifreeze is in it. If it is dry, then you take off the radiator cap ( when the motor is COLD) and look in there. Really if you need to fill it up, you should do a 50-50 mixture of water and antifreeze as that is the best ratio for freezing and overheating protection.

[OrangeBlossom]

Thanks TRB - so I should be able to tell by looking? If it's pinkish, it's the toyota red and if it's some other color. . . it's "regular"
I haven't actually checked it it was just too miserable outside today. I figured it's not a big deal if it's a tad bit low after three years. . . no overheating problems.
I'm trying to remember if I have put anything in there in the past 3 years and I don't think I have.

Is it terrible to mix types of antifreeze?

[kumquat]

Thanks TRB - so I should be able to tell by looking? If it's pinkish, it's the toyota red and if it's some other color. . . it's "regular"
I haven't actually checked it it was just too miserable outside today. I figured it's not a big deal if it's a tad bit low after three years. . . no overheating problems.
I'm trying to remember if I have put anything in there in the past 3 years and I don't think I have.

Is it terrible to mix types of antifreeze?

Mixing types is very bad, yes. They could have filled with regular green stuff, orange Dex-cool, or pinkish Toyota red.

If I were you, I'd flush and fill. You can do it yourself easily enough. Drain the whole system, fill with water, run the car til it heats up, let it cool. Repeat. Now drain it again and fill with the proper mix of Toyota red.