Engine Coolant - Pontiac Vibe 2003 Owner's Manual

Engine Coolant

The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating on
page 5-32.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and the proper
coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to −34°F (− 37°C).
•
•
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•
Protect against rust and corrosion.
•
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half half coolant that meets GM
Specification 1825-M, which won't damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant
flush and refill. If you use this coolant mixture, you don't
need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
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Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle's coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you wouldn't get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and the proper coolant.
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