2008 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 370

370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE children, do not store ethylene glycol based antifreeze/ coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately. Engine Coolant Level The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the engine idling, and warm to normal operating temperature, the level of the antifreeze/coolant in the bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle. The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is not need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for antifreeze/coolant freeze point or replacing antifreeze/ coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month. When additional antifreeze/coolant is needed to maintain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill. Points To Remember NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot antifreeze/coolant to enter the radiator. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. • Do not overfill the coolant bottle.