2003 Mazda Protege Owner's Manual - Page 209

J39L_EA.book Page 12 Saturday, June 8, 2002 5:35 PM Maintenance and Care Owner Maintenance Engine Coolant M Inspecting Coolant Level If it's at or near LOW, add enough coolant to the coolant reservoir to provide freezing and corrosion protection and to bring the level to FULL. WARNING Hot Engine: A hot engine is dangerous. If the engine has been running, parts of the engine compartment can become very hot. You could be burned. Don't inspect the coolant system or add coolant when the engine is hot. Inspect the antifreeze protection and coolant level in the coolant reservoir at least once a year-at the beginning of the winter season-and before traveling where temperatures may drop below freezing. Inspect the condition and connections of all cooling system and heater hoses. Replace any that are swollen or deteriorated. The coolant should be at full in the radiator and between the FULL and LOW marks on the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool. CAUTION Radiator coolant will damage paint. Rinse it off quickly. Do not overfill. If new coolant is required frequently, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. M Changing Coolant Change coolant according to Scheduled Maintenance (page 8-3). CAUTION • Use only soft (demineralized) water in the coolant mixture. Water that contains minerals will cut down on the coolant's effectiveness. • Don't add only water. Always add a proper coolant mixture. • The engine has aluminum parts and must be protected by an ethyleneglycol-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing. • DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol with the coolant. This could damage the cooling system. • Don't use a solution that contains more than 60 % antifreeze. This would reduce effectiveness. 8-12 Form No. 8Q94-EA-02G