1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 240
1997 Chevrolet Malibu Manual
Page 240 highlights
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolantfor your Chevrolet will: What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably distilled) and one-halfDEX-COOL coolant which won't damage aluminum parts. you use this mixture, If you don't need to add anything else. TM Give freezing protection down to-34°F (-37°C). Give boiling protection up to OF (129 C). 265 O Protect against rust and corrosion. Help keep the proper engine temperature. Let the warning lights and gages workas they should. NOTICE: When adding coolant, is important thatyou use it only DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. TM -- Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid likealcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mix will. Your vehicle'scoolant warning system is set for the proper coolant With mix. plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't get the overheat and warning. Your engine could catch fire you or others could be burned.Use a 50/50 mix of clean water and DEX-COOL coolant. TM 6-19