Changing Coolant - Mazda MX-5 Miata 2004 Owner's Manual

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 FULL and LOW
marks on the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cool.
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.
CAUTION
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly.
Do not overfill.
If new coolant is required frequently,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
8-16
M Changing Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
CAUTION
• 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.
For mixture percentage:
Protection
Above −16°C (3°F)
Above −26°C (−15°F)
Above −40°C (−40°F)
Volume
Antifreeze
Water
solution
35% 65%
45% 55%
55% 45%