Red Coolant question

[The-Acre]

I know coolant has been mentioned many times, whether it be concentrated or pre-mixed.  As I'm replacing my radiator I'll need some more.  The LS430 requires Toyota red.  It costs £25 for 5L from the main dealer, but ECP do Triple QX for about £9.  Does anyone know how important it is to use Toyota or am I just paying for the name?  After all, it is coolant with all the necessary ingredients.

[Herbie]

6 hours ago, The-Acre said:

After all, it is coolant with all the necessary ingredients.

I would have no qualms whatsoever in buying aftermarket exhausts, tyres, wipers and suchlike because we all know that Lexus don't make these things, but what you see is generally what you get with items like that.

However, I always buy the "genuine" fluids. I know that Lexus don't make these things either but it's more what you can't see that makes me nervous about buying aftermarket fluids. Any system carrying fluids will usually have rubber (or other material) seals somewhere and the original fluids and seals are made to be chemically compatible. Yes, the other stuff may have "all the necessary ingredients" but if it has just one other chemical added, or if one of the "necessary ingredients" is an 'equivalent substitute' it may attack the seals and cause leaks and expensive damage - just not worth it in my opinion.

[ColinBarber]

It should be fine. It is Ethylene glycol based which is important, but whether it protects as well in unknown.

[The-Acre]

Thanks both for your comments.  After considering my recent post about o rings at the transmission cooling pipes I think the genuine coolant puts my mind at peace!