1997 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 180

Maintenance and care When adding engine coolant Ford recommends Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid, which is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles). It is neither necessary nor recommended to use supplemental coolant additives in your gasoline-powered vehicle. These additives may harm your engine cooling system. When you change or add engine coolant, it is important to maintain engine coolant concentration between 40% (-24°C [-11°F]) and 60% (-52°C [-62°F]), depending on your local climate conditions. A coolant concentration below 40% will result in a loss of freeze protection. A concentration above 60% may cause the engine to overheat on a warm day. Refer to Lubricant specifications in the Specifications and capacities chapter. Use only a premium nationally-recognized brand name engine coolant or equivalent. Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community's standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive fluids. 181