2005 Dodge Stratus Owner Manual Coupe - Page 323

MAINTENANCE 323 Radiator cap The radiator cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant and engine damage. WARNING! Make sure that the engine is thoroughly cooled down before removing the radiator cap, otherwise hot steam or boiling coolant may gush from the filler port and scald you. Points to remember 1. Do not overfill the reserve tank. 2. A special radiator cap is used to ensure sealing and to allow the coolant to return from the reserve tank to the radiator when the engine cools. If cap replacement is necessary, use the proper cap. 3. Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator using proper instruments, when it is safe to do so. If antifreeze is added, the contents of the reserve tank must be protected against freezing. 4. Keep the front of the radiator clean. Keep the front of the condenser clean. 5. If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise normally after engine warm-up, take the vehicle to an authorized dealer to have the thermostat checked, and replaced if necessary. BRAKE FLUID Recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4 should be used. The reservoir cap must be fully tightened to avoid contamination from foreign matter or moisture. CAUTION! • Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contact, mix with, or otherwise contaminate the brake fluid. Seal damage will result. • Take care in handling brake fluid as it may cause damage to painted surfaces. • Use only the specified brake fluid. Also, the additives in different brands may result in a chemical reaction when mixed together, so avoid mixing different brands if possible. • Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to prevent the brake fluid from evaporating or absorbing moisture. 9