2000 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 174

174 Car care and technical information The corrosion-inhibiting properties of the coolant deteriorate over time, but Saab-approved coolant can be used for year-round protection. Change the coolant as specified in the service program and use only Saab-approved coolant - other makes may need changing more frequently and may damage the system. Coolant WARNING • Proceed with caution if the radiator is boiling when you open the hood. Never remove the expansion-tank filler cap when the radiator is boiling. Loosen the cap carefully, and let the engine cool before removing the cap. • The cooling system is pressurized - hot coolant and vapor can escape when the filler cap is released. The expansion tank is transparent to facilitate checking of the coolant level. When the engine is cold, the coolant must not lie over the KALT/COLD mark on the expansion tank. If the message "FILL COOLANT FLUID" is displayed on the SID, check the level of fluid in the expansion tank. Top up, as necessary, with equal parts of clean water and Saab-approved coolant. If the expansion tank is empty when coolant is added, run the engine to normal temperature and top up again, as necessary. NOTE IB1338 Coolant expansion tank Coolant The cooling system is charged at the factory with coolant containing a 50% concentration of a combined antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor. A weaker mixture will result in reduced anticorrosion protection. For protection against freezing in very cold weather, a stronger concentration will be needed. A 60% concentration of antifreeze will provide protection at temperatures down to -58 F (-50°C). Always mix the antifreeze with the appropriate volume of water before adding it to the cooling system. If pure antifreeze is added, the engine could still freeze and be damaged. This is because the antifreeze will not mix properly with the coolant before the thermostat has opened to allow full circulation.