Mazda 2003 Miata MX-5, Owner'S Manual

Page: 195 / 257

8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
If it’s at or near LOW, add enough coolant
to the coolant reservoir to provide
freezing and corrosion protection and to
bring the level to FULL.
Do not overfill.
If new coolant is required frequently,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
▼
Changing Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
For mixture percentage:
To change coolant
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly.
•
Use only soft (demineralized) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant’s effectiveness.
•
Don’t add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
•
The engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
•
DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol
or methanol with the coolant. This
could damage the cooling system.
•
Don’t use a solution that contains
more than 60 % antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
CAUTION
CAUTION
Protection
Volume
Antifreeze
solution
Water
Above
−
16°C (3°F) 35% 65%
Above
−
26°C (
−
15°F) 45% 55%
Above
−
40°C (
−
40°F) 55% 45%
Removing the Cooling System Cap:
Removing the cooling system cap or
drain plug while the engine is
running or hot is dangerous. This
might lead to cooling system and
engine damage and could result in
serious injury from escaping hot
coolant or steam. Turn off the engine
and wait until it’s cool. Even then, be
very careful when removing the cap
or drain plug. Wrap a thick cloth
around it and slowly turn it
counterclockwise to the first stop.
Step back while the pressure escapes.
When you’re sure all the pressure is
gone, press down on the cap — still
using a cloth — turn the cap, and
remove it.
WARNING
J07R_8R09_EA_02G.book Page 16 Monday, July 1, 2002 11:30 AM