2010 Dodge Charger Owner Manual - Page 395

394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Coolant Checks Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the face of the condenser. If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT. Cooling System - Drain, Flush, and Refill If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or 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. Properly Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub- dispose of the old engine coolant (antifreeze) solution. ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection Refer to "Maintenance Schedule" for further information. at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for Selection of Coolant leaks. Use only the manufacturer's recommended engine coolWith the engine at normal operating temperature (but ant (antifreeze). Refer to "Fluids, Lubricants, and Genunot running), check the cooling system pressure cap for ine Parts" in "Maintaining Your Vehicle" for further proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of information. engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.