Does Lexus use pink coolant?
Yes. In most modern Lexus models, the coolant is pink, aligning with Toyota’s long-life pink coolant. Always verify the exact specification for your model and market in the owner's manual or on the reservoir label.
Color and coolant in Lexus vehicles: what you should know
Color coding helps identify coolant at a glance, but it isn’t a foolproof indicator of chemistry or compatibility. Toyota/Lexus typically use pink long-life coolant, but regional variations and model-year differences exist. The following points summarize how to approach coolant color in Lexus cars.
What to know before you service: the list below covers typical color conventions, mixing rules, and how to source the correct product.
- Most current Lexus models use pink long-life coolant that matches Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant. The pink color is a clue, not a guarantee by itself.
- Regional and model-year variations exist. Some legacy vehicles or certain markets may have used different colors, so always check the manual and the reservoir cap label.
- Avoid mixing different coolant chemistries or colors. If you must top up and the color is unknown, flush and refill with the correct pink coolant specified for your vehicle.
- Use approved products: Toyota or Lexus genuine coolants or universal coolants that explicitly meet Toyota’s specifications are recommended for safety and warranty considerations.
Bottom line: Pink is common in modern Lexus cooling systems, but color alone isn’t a universal standard across all vehicles or regions; always confirm with official documentation.
Practical steps for owners
To ensure you service correctly, follow these steps when checking or replacing coolant on a Lexus:
- Consult the owner’s manual or the reservoir label for the exact coolant specification and recommended color.
- Inspect the coolant for proper level when the engine is cold; use the marks on the reservoir.
- If adding coolant, use the same pink Lexus/Toyota long-life coolant; do not mix with other colors or types unless the manual confirms compatibility.
- If in doubt, contact a Lexus dealer or qualified mechanic to avoid potential engine damage.
Conclusion: The color pink is commonly associated with Toyota/Lexus long-life coolant in many markets, but always rely on official specs rather than color alone.
Summary
In short, yes—pink coolant is typical for many Lexus vehicles, particularly those that use Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant. Still, color variations can occur by model year and region, so verification with the owner's manual, reservoir labels, or a Lexus dealer is essential. Proper coolant selection and careful handling help protect aluminum engines and cooling systems across Lexus’ lineup.
What kind of coolant does Lexus use?
Lexus uses a specific pink or red Asian-formulated Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolant. This Super Long Life Coolant is designed for their vehicles, with a long initial replacement interval. You can use either the official Toyota/Lexus pink coolant or a compatible third-party Asian vehicle coolant, often labeled red or pink, to ensure correct protection.
Key information
- Coolant Type: Pink or red HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze/coolant.
- Recommended by Manufacturer: It is best to use the coolant specifically recommended by Lexus or Toyota, as they are designed for the specific materials in the cooling system.
- Compatibility: Look for "Asian vehicle" coolants, as they are formulated to meet the requirements of Lexus and Toyota. Some compatible options include PEAK OET Asian or Prestone Platinum Asian Red.
- Color: While color can be an indicator, it's not the only factor. Lexus vehicles use pink and sometimes red coolants, but it's important to check the product's specifications for Asian vehicle compatibility, says Olathe Toyota Parts Center.
- Longevity: The Super Long Life Coolant has a long initial service interval, typically 100,000 miles, with subsequent changes every 50,000 miles.
- Mixture: Some coolants are premixed 50/5050 / 5050/50 and are ready to use, while others are concentrates that need to be mixed with distilled water, says carspecmn.com and Advance Auto Parts. Always check the product label.
What kind of coolant does a Lexus IS 350 take?
Pentosin – Pentofrost A4 HOAT Phosphated Asian 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze / Coolant – 1 Gallon (Part No.
Is Lexus coolant pink?
Toyota/Lexus/Scion genuine coolant. This is Pink in color and fits most Toyota, Lexus and Scions from mid 2000s to now.
What vehicles use pink antifreeze?
Cars that use pink coolant include many newer Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles, as well as European models such as certain Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Jaguar, and Land Rover vehicles from specific model years. It is crucial to use the correct coolant specified for a particular vehicle's make and model.
Asian vehicles
- Toyota/Scion/Lexus: Newer models, often using a silicate-free and borate-free pink "Super Long Life Coolant" (SLLC).
- Hyundai: The Hyundai Elantra N is reported to use a pink coolant.
- Other Asian brands: Some Asian vehicles use pink or red/pink coolant formulations, and it's important to check the specific vehicle's requirements.
European vehicles
- Audi: Many models from 1996-2007 use pink coolant.
- Volkswagen: Many models from 1996-2008 use pink coolant.
- Porsche: Many models from 1996-2009 use pink coolant.
- Jaguar: Many models from 1997 and newer.
- Land Rover: Many models from 1998 and newer.
- Fiat/Alfa-Romeo: Models from 2008 and newer.
- Volvo: Models from 2016 and newer use pink coolant.
Important considerations
- Always check your owner's manual: The safest way to determine the correct coolant is to consult your vehicle's owner's manual.
- Color can be confusing: Some vehicles use red, and some use pink. For example, some older Toyota models used a red coolant, but newer ones use pink. Do not assume a color is universally compatible.
- Use manufacturer-specific coolant: Mixing different types of coolant can cause damage to your cooling system. It is best to use the coolant type specified by the manufacturer.
- Mixing with universal coolants: While some discussions suggest mixing universal coolants (often yellow) with a specific color might be possible, this is generally not recommended, especially for modern engines. Some universal coolants can be dyed to match a specific color, but using the wrong one can have negative consequences.
