2005 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 250

RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page250 Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM Black plate (250,1) Maintenance and Care Owner Maintenance NOTE CAUTION Radiator coolant will damage paint. Rinse it off quickly if spilled. Do not overfill. If new coolant is required frequently, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Once the engine coolant exceeds a preset temperature, an electrical cooling fan turns on. It will continue running for about 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to off. 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 F and L marks on the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool. qChanging Coolant Change coolant according to Scheduled Maintenance (page 8-3). CAUTION l 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. l l l l If it's at or near L, add enough coolant to the coolant reservoir to provide freezing and corrosion protection and to bring the level to F. 8-16 Form No.8T69-EA-04G