1998 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 289

Maintenance and Care Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below 32° F [0° C]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades, and windshield washer system. Engine Coolant Checking the Engine Coolant NOTE: Be sure to read and understand Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this chapter. Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply check the coolant reservoir, located in the engine compartment. The coolant should stay between the MIN and MAX marks. It will be closer to MAX when the engine is warm and closer to MIN when the engine is cold. To locate the coolant reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine under Engine Compartment in the Capacities and Specifications chapter. 285