How often should the coolant in a Prado be replaced?
2 Answers
Prado requires coolant replacement every 2 years. While coolant allows for evaporation loss, any deficiencies observed during usage should be replenished with additional coolant. The coolant replacement procedure is as follows: Before performing a complete coolant change, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any leaks or cracks in the piping system, with particular attention to the five-way hose. This hose derives its name from having five connection points that distribute coolant to different vehicle components. If any coolant leakage is detected in this section, replace the hose or resecure the connections as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Fill the coolant reservoir with water and continuously circulate it through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to facilitate water circulation. Initially, the discharged water may appear slightly pinkish - continue flushing until the outflow runs clear. Remember to disconnect the heater hose to completely drain the heater core. Approximately one hour after draining, pour new coolant into the radiator hose to enable rapid filling of the radiator. Then add another container of coolant to the reservoir until nearly full. Run the engine for about 10 minutes - as air pockets are purged from the system, the fluid level will drop. Top up the coolant to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
I've been driving a Prado for several years and found that the coolant is usually best replaced every 2 to 3 years. This stuff mainly protects the engine from overheating and also prevents freezing and rust. If you often drive in high-temperature areas or go on long trips, it's better to replace it earlier to avoid scale buildup affecting heat dissipation. Last time I waited too long, and the cooling system got a bit rusty, which was expensive to fix and bad for the car. I recommend having a technician check the coolant level and color during every maintenance—if it becomes cloudy or low, it's time for a change. Also, the Prado's manual recommends changing it every 3 years, but actual driving habits can make a difference. If ignored for too long, the engine might overload and fail. Safety first—don't skimp on this maintenance cost. Developing good habits keeps your car durable, worry-free, and reduces the risk of breaking down on the road.
