2001 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 214

Maintenance and care Cooling system - engine coolant The importance of engine coolant Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the proper concentration and fluid level in the coolant reservoir. Your vehicle was factoryĆfilled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40 % or rises above 60 %, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following: • Boiling protection up to 265°F (129 °C). • Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36 °C). • Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion. • Enables calibrated gauges to function properly.