Replacing antifreeze in Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla is very demanding on technical fluids, like all Japanese cars. The older the car, the more often it is recommended to change the antifreeze. At the same time, the car owner must remember that in no case should you mix different modifications.

Choosing antifreeze

In order to replace antifreeze on a Toyota Corolla car, you need to choose the right one. For example, G11 is suitable for cars of the last century. Since the cooling system on this machine uses such metals as:

• copper;
• brass;
• aluminum.

G11 has inorganic compounds that are not harmful to the old cooling system.

Technical fluid G 12 has been created for new radiators. But this is already an organic “antifreeze”. Experienced mechanics do not recommend mixing organic and inorganic antifreeze. And in Toyota Corolla modifications before 2000, you cannot fill in G12.

The G 12 is also called "Long Life". Protects the metal surfaces of the system from:

• corrosion;
• oxide precipitation.

Anti-freeze G 12 has a long service life. There are several varieties: G12+, G12++.

Other liquids are divided into three types:

• base;
• without nitrates;
• without silicate.

Each of these types is characterized by individual characteristics; when mixed, coagulation is possible. Therefore, experienced mechanics advise not to mix different antifreezes. And after the replacement period has come, it is better to rinse the cooling radiator thoroughly.

What else do experienced mechanics advise

If the car owner is in doubt about which "refrigerant" to fill the system, this information can be found in the car's operating book. And experienced mechanics and car owners advise the following:

• in Toyota Corolla until 2005, fill in Long Life Cooliant (belongs to the type of inorganic liquids G 11). Antifreeze catalog number 0888980015. It has a red color. It is recommended to dilute with deionized water in the ratio 1:1;
• Only after 2005 should the Super Long Life Cooliant (No. 0888980140) be added to the same brand of car. The cooler belongs to the G12+ brands.

Many car owners choose by color. It is not recommended to focus only on color. Because G11, for example, can be green, red and yellow.

The interval that must be observed when replacing antifreeze in a Toyota Corolla car for cars manufactured before 2005 is 40 kilometers. And for modern cars, the interval has been increased to 000 thousand kilometers.

Attention! It is not recommended to add foreign liquid to antifreeze for cars of recent years. Such a procedure will lead to precipitation, the formation of scale and a violation of heat transfer.

If the car owner is going to use a third-party cooler, then before that he must thoroughly flush the system. After pouring, it is recommended to drive a car and then check the color. If the antifreeze has changed color to brown-brown, then the owner of Toyota has flooded counterfeit products. It needs to be replaced urgently.

How much to change

The amount of coolant required for replacement depends on the type of gearbox and engine. For example, a Toyota Corolla with all-wheel drive in a 120 body requires 6,5 liters, and with front-wheel drive - 6,3 liters.

Attention! The inorganic liquid is changed for the first time after three years of use, and the organic one after 5 years of operation.

What you need to change the fluid

To carry out the cooler replacement procedure, the car owner will need tools and materials:

• waste fluid containers;
• funnel;
• distilled water to flush the cooling system. Prepare about 8 liters of water;
• antifreeze.

Having prepared related materials and tools, you can begin to replace them.

How is the fluid change procedure?

Antifreeze replacement is carried out as follows:

1. Place a container under the radiator to drain debris.
2. Wait until the engine has cooled down if the machine has been running for a long time.
3. Remove the expansion tank cap and open the stove valve.
4. Remove the drain plug on the radiator and cylinder block.
5. Wait until the mining is completely drained.
6. Tighten drain plugs.
7. Insert a funnel into the filling hole and fill with fresh fluid.

Finally, you need to compress the intake and exhaust pipes. If the coolant level drops, more will need to be added. After that, you can tighten the plug of the expansion tank.

Now you need to start the Toyota Corolla engine and let it run for 5 minutes. Set the selector lever to the "P" position on the automatic or to the "Neutral" position if a manual transmission is installed. Press the accelerator pedal and bring the tachometer needle to 3000 rpm.

Repeat all steps 5 times. After this procedure, you need to check the level of "non-freezing". If it falls again, you need to reload.

Safety measures for self-changing fluid

If the owner of the car changes the "antifreeze" on his own and does it for the first time, then you should read what safety measures you need to take:

1. Do not remove the cover while the machine is running. This can lead to the release of steam, which will burn the unprotected skin of a person.
2. If coolant gets into your eyes, flush them with plenty of water.
3. It is necessary to compress the pipes of the cooling system only with gloves. Because they can be hot.

These rules will help maintain human health when replacing.

When and why to change antifreeze

In addition to the “antifreeze” replacement intervals described above, its replacement is necessary when the quality of the antifreeze deteriorates due to wear products accumulated in the system. If you do not pay attention in time, the engine or gearbox may overheat in summer, and vice versa in winter, the liquid will harden. If at this time the owner starts the car, pipes or a radiator may burst from pressure.

Therefore, you need to change the "cooler" when:

• turned brown, cloudy, discolored. These are symptoms of waste fluid that will not protect the system properly;
• coolant foam, chips, scale appear;
• refractometer or hydrometer show negative values;
• the level of antifreeze decreases;
• a special test strip determines that the liquid cannot be used.

If the level drops, be sure to check the expansion tank or radiator for cracks. Since the liquid can only exit through the holes obtained as a result of the aging of the metal, due to technical shortcomings.

Attention! The boiling point of the coolant is 110 degrees Celsius with a plus sign. Withstands frosts down to minus 30 degrees. It all depends on the manufacturer and composition of the liquid. Cheap Chinese fakes will not withstand Russian car operating conditions.

The cost of antifreeze from other manufacturers for Toyota Corolla

The cooler is also produced by other manufacturers. The price category of the original “without freezing” is as follows:

• from GM - 250 - 310 rubles (No. 1940663 according to the catalogue);
• Opel - 450 - 520 r (No. 194063 according to the catalog);
• Ford - 380 - 470 r (under catalog number 1336797).

These fluids are suitable for Toyota Corolla vehicles.

Conclusion

Now the car owner knows everything about antifreeze for Toyota Corolla. You can choose the right antifreeze and, without contacting a service center, replace it yourself.