Mazda 3 Owner's Manual page 427

Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year—at the beginning of the
winter season—and before traveling where
temperatures may drop below freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections of
all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are swollen or
deteriorated.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F and L marks
on the coolant reservoir when the engine
is cool.
If it is at or near L, add enough coolant to
the coolant reservoir to provide freezing
and corrosion protection and to bring the
level to F.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir tank
cap after adding coolant.
6–30
CAUTION
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Use only soft (demineralized) water in
the coolant mixture. Water that contains
minerals will cut down on the coolant's
eff ectiveness.
Do not 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 coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system.
DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol with
the coolant. This could damage the
cooling system.
Do not use a solution that contains
more than 60% antifreeze.
This would reduce eff ectiveness.
NOTE
If the "FL22" mark is shown on or near
the cooling system cap, it is recommended
to use Mazda Genuine FL22 engine
coolant.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.