2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Owner Manual - Page 465

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463 If an examination of your engine compartment shows no • Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed. safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. • Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the • Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle. condenser clean. • Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If • Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may contents of the coolant recovery bottle must also be result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) protected against freezing. performance, poor gas mileage, and increased • If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are emissions. required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling Brake System In order to assure brake system performance, all brake system should be pressure tested for leaks. system components should be inspected periodically. • Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at Refer to the "Maintenance Schedule" in Section 8 for the 50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) proper maintenance intervals. and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your engine, which contains aluminum components. 7