Mazda 2005 mx-5 miata Manual page 234

Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
qChanging Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
CAUTION
Use only soft (demineralized) water
l
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant's effectiveness.
Don't add only water. Always add a
l
proper coolant mixture.
The engine has aluminum parts and
l
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol
l
antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol or
methanol with the coolant. This
could damage the cooling system.
Don't use a solution that contains
l
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)
8-18
Volume
Antifreeze Demineralized
solution water
35% 65%
45% 55%
55% 45%
To change coolant
WARNING
Removing the Cooling System Cap:
Removing the cooling system cap
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. Wrap a thick cloth around the
cap 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.
1. Remove the cooling system cap.
Loosen
Loosen
Tighten
2. Only when the engine is cool, remove
the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.
Properly dispose of the used coolant.
3. Flush out the system with running
water.
Tighten