How many kilometers does the Land Cruiser's coolant need to be replaced?
2 Answers
The Land Cruiser's coolant generally needs to be replaced every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers. Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with a particular focus on the five-way hose. The five-way hose is named for its five connections to various parts, and the coolant flows through it before being distributed to different sections of the vehicle to function. If there is any coolant leakage in this area, replace the hose or resecure the connections as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add water to the coolant reservoir and continue filling until clean water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water draining from the reservoir may have a faint pink tint. Keep adding clean water until the outflow is clear. Remember to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. After about an hour of draining, add the new coolant through the radiator hose to allow it to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container of coolant to the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As some air is expelled from the cooling system, the fluid level will drop slightly. Top up the coolant to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
From my years of experience driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, the recommended interval for coolant replacement is generally around 100,000 kilometers. The manufacturer's manual suggests this range as a baseline, but don't just focus on mileage—consider the age of the coolant as well. For example, my vehicle frequently takes long-distance trips or off-road routes, causing significant engine temperature fluctuations, which can accelerate coolant degradation, thinning, and loss of effectiveness. Once deteriorated, rust and scale can form in the cooling system, potentially clogging the water pump or causing engine overheating and failure. Three years ago, I delayed replacement and ended up paying nearly 10,000 yuan in repairs. I recommend incorporating coolant checks into your annual maintenance routine, examining its color and clarity. If it appears cloudy, replace it early—don’t wait for a breakdown. Coolant protects your vehicle’s core components, and proactive maintenance ensures longevity and cost savings.
