2012 Dodge Caliber Owner Manual - Page 436

434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, • Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month. the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to recovery bottle must also be protected against freezmaintain the proper level, it should be added to the ing. coolant bottle. Do not overfill. • If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are Points To Remember required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/ does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming system should 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. • Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery If an examination of your engine compartment shows no bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed. evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. • Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.