2010 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 423

422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the engine coolant (antifreeze). 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. 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 recovery bottle. • Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against maintain the proper level, it should be added to the freezing. coolant bottle. Do not overfill. • If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are Points to Remember required, or if the level in the recovery bottle does not NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/ drop when the engine cools, the cooling system should kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming be pressure tested for leaks. from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high 50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vaporand distilled water for proper corrosion protection of ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine your engine which contains aluminum components. coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.