colenzae

So I bought a used 2006 Highlander Hybrid and need to change the engine coolant. It is definitely overdue as it is discolored and has crud caked around the mouth of the radiator. Is it advisable to use some sort of commercial coolant system solvent/flush mixed with distilled water? Or is it better to just run distilled water thru the system until it runs clear and then refill it with coolant. And is it "best" to stick with the pink Toyota fluid or is a pink aftermarket fluid fine as well? Thanks!!

mnewxcv

I think running clear is usually fine. As for fluid, some may say stick with Toyota brand but I've had no problem with the Toyota spec fluid from Walmart.

colenzae

Yeah, I saw some youtube videos and they used the aftermarket Toyota equivalent pink fluid and said it was fine. I've run into some quirks with the hybrid and just wanted to throw out this question before I assume I can treat it the same as a traditional Highlander. I'm not going to assume anything with this Hybrid anymore. Thanks for your advice!!

iMSQ

FYI: Lexus RX (and, probably, your Highlander) has 2 separate cooling systems - one for ICE and one for a hybrid system itself.

PS: Hybrids are here.