How much coolant does a Lexus IS250 need?
The Lexus IS250 typically needs about 9 quarts (roughly 8.5–9.5 liters) of coolant to fill the entire cooling system.
Keep in mind that exact capacity can vary by model year and market. The IS250 uses a 2.5-liter V6 and a closed cooling loop that includes the radiator, engine block, heater core, hoses, thermostat, water pump, and an expansion tank. For precise figures, consult your owner's manual or the official service data for your VIN and region.
What the IS250 cooling system holds
Understanding the capacity means recognizing what is counted in the total fill. The cooling loop includes the engine block, radiator, heater core, hoses, thermostat housing, and expansion tank, and represents the full fill you would perform when the system is drained and refilled.
- Typical total cooling system capacity: about 8.5–9.5 liters (roughly 9 quarts).
- The expansion tank contributes to the overall capacity, and the radiator and engine block hold the majority of the coolant.
- Preferred coolant type: a Toyota/Lexus-approved long-life ethylene glycol coolant, usually mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Capacity can vary slightly by year and market. Refer to the owner's manual or a service data sheet for the exact VIN-specific figure.
How to check and refill the IS250 cooling system
When topping up or performing a full coolant replacement, follow a careful bleed and fill procedure to avoid air pockets and overheating.
- Ensure the engine is cool and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Open the expansion tank cap (do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot) to relieve pressure and check levels.
- If the expansion tank is low, prepare a 50/50 mix of Toyota/Lexus-approved coolant with distilled water.
- Slowly add the coolant to the expansion tank until the level reaches the “Full” line.
- Replace the expansion tank cap securely.
- Start the engine, set the climate control to hot, and run to operating temperature with the cap still off to bleed air from the system. Monitor the temperature gauge and watch for bubbles or rising levels.
- With the engine at operating temperature and then cooled, recheck the expansion-tank level and top up if needed to the Full line.
If you’re performing a full flush, you may need more coolant than a simple top-up. Follow the official procedure in the service data for a complete drain-and-fill and bleeding sequence.
Choosing the right coolant
Use a Toyota/Lexus-approved long-life coolant, typically a premixed 50/50 formulation, unless your manual specifies a different ratio. Avoid mixing with non-approved coolants, especially those not compatible with aluminum components.
Summary
The IS250 generally requires about 8.5–9.5 liters (around 9 quarts) of coolant to fill the cooling system fully. Exact capacity can vary by model year and market, so check the owner's manual or VIN-specific service data. When refilling, use a Toyota/Lexus-approved long-life coolant in a 50/50 mix with distilled water and follow proper bleeding procedures to remove air. If in doubt, consult a certified technician.
How much coolant does a Lexus is250 hold?
The Lexus IS250 coolant capacity is 9.1 liters (9.6 US quarts). When refilling, use a 50/50 mix of Toyota Super Long Life Coolant or an equivalent compatible antifreeze and distilled water.
This video demonstrates how to change the coolant in a Lexus IS-F, which shares the same coolant capacity as the IS250: 59sS&E's GarageYouTube · Sep 2, 2023
- Capacity: 9.19.19.1 liters (9.69.69.6 US quarts)
- Coolant Type: A 50/50 mix of Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) and distilled water
- Filling Method: A vacuum-filling method is recommended to prevent air pockets.
How many gallons does a Lexus IS 250 hold?
The Lexus IS250 fuel tank capacity is typically between 17.1 and 17.4 gallons depending on the model year. Newer models (around 2014-2015) tend to have a capacity of 17.4 gallons, while older models (2006-2013) are generally around 17.1 or 17.2 gallons. For example, the 2015 IS250 has a 17.4-gallon tank, while the 2010 IS250 has a 17.1-gallon tank.
- 2014-2015: 17.4 gallons
- 2010-2013: 17.1 or 17.2 gallons
- 2006-2009: 17.1 or 17.2 gallons
How many quarts does a Lexus IS 250 take?
Capacity: 6.6 quarts (with filter). RWD.
How many gallons of coolant do I need?
You will likely need between 1 and 2 gallons of coolant concentrate to mix with an equal amount of distilled water for a 50/50 solution, but the exact amount depends on your vehicle's cooling system capacity, which can range from 3 to 7 liters (or about 0.75 to 1.75 gallons). It is best to consult your owner's manual or purchase a slightly larger quantity, such as two gallons of concentrate, to ensure you have enough, as some systems can hold more and you may need extra to top off.
How to determine the right amount
- Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable method, as it will state the exact capacity of your vehicle's cooling system. Look for information under "fluid capacities".
- Estimate based on engine size: If you don't have the manual, you can estimate that 4-cylinder engines generally require between 1 and 2 gallons of a 50/50 mix. Larger engines will need more.
- For a complete flush: If you are doing a full coolant flush, you will likely need more concentrated antifreeze. You can start by adding about 4 gallons of concentrate to a system that holds 8 gallons total, as you can't drain all the old coolant, and then fill the rest with distilled water.
- For topping off: If you are just topping off the system, add enough to reach the "COLD" line on the overflow tank. The amount will be much smaller, likely less than a quart, says this Quora post.
Important tips
- Always use distilled water: Never use tap water, as the minerals can cause corrosion in your cooling system.
- Mix it correctly: Make sure to mix the antifreeze with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio for optimal protection.
- Check the level after service: After refilling, run the engine and keep an eye on the coolant level, as air bubbles may need to be "burped" out of the system.
