2013 Dodge Dart Owner Manual - Page 543

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 541 • If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are required, the cooling system should be pressure tested NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/ for leaks. kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor- • Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at 50% OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) and mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vaporengine which contains aluminum components. ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator. • Make sure that the coolant bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no Points To Remember evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be • Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean. • Do not overfill the coolant bottle. • Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in • Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antiONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) expansion bottle must also be protected against freezperformance, poor gas mileage, and increased ing. emissions. 7