Brake System - Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual

WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not
loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the
one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze)
is a regulated substance requiring proper dis-
posal. Check with your local authorities to de-
termine the disposal rules for your community.
To prevent ingestion by animals or children, do
not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that the coolant
level is adequate. With the engine off and cold,
the level of the coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" lines
marked on the bottle.
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As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be
checked once a month.
When additional coolant (antifreeze) is needed
to maintain the proper level, it should be added
to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
See your authorized dealer for service
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few
miles/kilometers of operation, you may ob-
serve vapor coming from the front of the
engine compartment. This is normally a re-
sult of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and
being vaporized when the thermostat opens,
allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the
vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will
soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of the coolant expansion bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine
which contains aluminum components.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.

Brake System

In order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be in-
spected periodically. Refer to the "Service And
Warranty Handbook" for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot
resting or riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake temperatures, ex-
cessive lining wear, and possible brake dam-
age. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.