2000 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 203

Maintenance and care Checking engine coolant The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the mileage intervals listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide". The coolant concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014ĆRI060). The level of coolant should be maintained at the MAX line on the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions in the Adding engine coolant section. Adding engine coolant When adding engine coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool until the appropriate fill level is obtained. Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield. 203