Ford 1996 Contour Manual page 212

When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
2.
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to relieve the pressure.
Step back while the pressure releases.
3.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
4.
use the cloth to turn and remove cap.
Stand away from the reservoir opening. Hot steam may blow
5.
out or hot engine coolant may even splash out.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious
personal injury from hot engine coolant or steam
blowout and/or damage to the engine cooling system or
engine.
To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle's
coolant system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the
Index.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add a quart (liter) of engine coolant more than
once a month.
Add engine coolant only to the recovery reservoir. If the
coolant level is low, add to the reservoir a 50/50 mixture of
water and the type of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You
may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you should
replace it with a 50/50 mixture as soon as possible. Check the
engine coolant again the next few times you drive your vehicle.
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula
that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford
engines for four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your
engine cooling system. Follow the recommended service interval
for changing your engine coolant.
Servicing Your Contour
RWARNING
215