Engine Coolant Protection Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Measure the coolant temperature and specific gravity with a thermometer and a hydrometer.CAUTION:
- The engine has aluminum parts that can be damaged by alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use alcohol or methanol in the cooling system. Use only ethylen-glycol-based coolant.
- Use only soft (demineralized) water in the coolant mixture. Water that contains minerals will reduce the coolant's effectiveness.
- Determine the coolant protection by referring to the graph. See Fig 1.
- If the coolant protection is not proper, add water or coolant.