Coolant
The engine coolant performs two functions: it keeps the engine from overheating and it protects the engine from freezing in the winter.
The cooling system is sealed and generally requires little attention.
The cooling system has been filled at the factory with a permanent coolant which does not need to be changed. The coolant consists of a mixture of specially conditioned water and the manufacturer's glycol-basedcoolant additive G13 antifreeze with anticorrosion additives (50% for USA models; 60% for Canadian models). This mixture both assures the necessary frost protection and protects metal components in the engine's cooling system from corrosion and scaling. It also raises the boiling point of the coolant.
Do not reduce the concentration of the coolant in the summer by adding plain water. The proportion of coolant additive must be at least 50% but not more than 60% to maintain antifreeze protection and cooling efficiency. If the coolant frost protection is too low, the coolant could freeze and damage the vehicle heating and engine cooling system.
For year-round driving, antifreeze is added at the factory for temperatures down to:
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water and coolant additive. Mixing the coolant additive with distilled water is recommended.
WARNING
Before you check anything in the engine compartment, always read and heed all WARNINGS.
Note
This is especially important if you live in a region where the winter is extremely cold. If necessary, increase the proportion of coolant additive to 60%.
The resulting corrosion can cause a loss of coolant and serious engine damage.