What coolant does a Toyota Yaris take?
The Toyota Yaris generally uses Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant (LLC), sometimes labeled as Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. Use a 50/50 mix with distilled water unless you buy premixed coolant labeled for Toyota vehicles. Always check your owner’s manual or ask a dealer for your exact model and market.
Understanding the specification by model
Coolant requirements can vary by generation and region. The Yaris has been sold under different names and with different engines worldwide, so confirming the correct specification for your exact model is important. In practice, you’ll want a coolant that is compatible with Toyota’s long-life coolant standard (typically HOAT or OAT formulas approved for Toyota engines).
Recommended coolant types
When shopping, look for coolants that are explicitly compatible with Toyota vehicles and either labeled as Toyota Long Life Coolant or as a generic HOAT/OAT coolant that meets Toyota specifications. The goal is to use a product that won’t cause corrosion or scaling in Toyota cooling systems.
- Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant (LLC) — official Toyota product designed for long-life service; available in premixed or concentrated form.
- Toyota Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) — a traditional label still compatible with many Toyota engines; verify bottle compatibility for your model.
- High-quality third-party coolants that explicitly state compatibility with Toyota LLC specifications (HOAT or OAT type) and list Toyota compatibility on the label.
- Avoid universal or generic coolant unless the label clearly confirms Toyota compatibility and the product is suitable for Toyota engines.
Using the right coolant helps prevent corrosion, heat-related damage, and buildup in the cooling system, supporting reliable engine cooling across model years.
How to replace or top up the coolant
When topping up or performing a full coolant replacement, follow proper safety procedures and refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific guidance. The steps below help, but regional variations may apply.
- Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the reservoir cap or any drain plugs.
- Check the coolant level when cold and identify whether you should use a 50/50 mix or premixed coolant as specified on the bottle.
- If topping up, slowly add the coolant mixture through the reservoir until it reaches the full line; avoid overfilling.
- If performing a full drain and refill, drain the old coolant from the system, flush if recommended by your manual, then refill with fresh 50/50 coolant mix.
- Run the engine to operating temperature with the radiator cap off briefly to vent air, then reseal the cap and check for leaks. Recheck the level after the system cools.
Keep records of when you serviced the cooling system and monitor the level over the next several days to ensure stability. Dispose of old coolant according to local regulations.
Summary
For most Toyota Yaris models, use Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant (LLC) or a compatible HOAT/OAT coolant labeled for Toyota vehicles, and mix 50/50 with distilled water unless the bottle is premixed. Always verify the exact specification in your owner’s manual and follow safe, proper procedures when adding or replacing coolant to protect the engine and cooling system.
