2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner's Manual - Page 266

266 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Coolant Checks Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the radiator for an accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator by gently spraying water from a garden hose at the back of the core. Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks. With the engine at normal operating temperature (but not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing properly, the coolant will begin to drain from the coolant recovery bottle. Do not remove the cap when the cooling system is hot. Cooling System - Drain, Flush And Refill At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Discard old antifreeze solution. Engine Coolant Disposal Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.