2011 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 424

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421 Engine Coolant Level The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the engine idling and warm to normal operating temperature, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle. Points To Remember NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/ kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator. no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for If an examination of your engine compartment shows no engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attensafely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. dant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked • Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle. once a month. • Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of maintain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against coolant bottle. Do not overfill. freezing. 7