2010 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Owner Manual - Page 374

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373 The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant recovery bottle need only be checked once a month. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. • Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle. • Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be added, the contents of the coolant recovery bottle must When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to also be protected against freezing. maintain the proper level, it should be added to the • If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are coolant recovery bottle. Do not overfill. required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle Points to Remember does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles system should be pressure tested for leaks. (kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming • Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high and distilled/deionized water for proper corrosion humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vaporprotection of your engine, which contains aluminum ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to components. enter the radiator. 7