2004 Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual - MyMazda

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 13 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PMMaintenance and CareOwner Maintenance▼ Changing CoolantChange coolant according to ScheduledMaintenance (page 8-3).CAUTION• Use only soft (demineralized) waterin the coolant mixture. Water thatcontains minerals will cut down onthe coolant’s effectiveness.• Don’t add only water. Always add aproper coolant mixture.• The engine has aluminum parts andmust be protected by an ethyleneglycol-basedcoolant to preventcorrosion and freezing.• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanolantifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcoholor methanol with the coolant. Thiscould damage the cooling system.• Don’t use a solution that containsmore than 60 % antifreeze.This would reduce effectiveness.For mixture percentage:VolumeProtection AntifreezesolutionWaterAbove -16°C (3°F) 35% 65%Above -26°C (-15°F) 45% 55%Above -40°C (-40°F) 55% 45%To change coolantWARNINGRemoving the Cooling System Cap:Removing the cooling system cap ordrain plug while the engine isrunning or hot is dangerous. Thismight lead to cooling system andengine damage and could result inserious injury from escaping hotcoolant or steam. Turn off the engineand wait until it’s cool. Even then, bevery careful when removing the capor drain plug. Wrap a thick clotharound it and slowly turn itcounterclockwise to the first stop.Step back while the pressure escapes.When you’re sure all the pressure isgone, press down on the cap — stillusing a cloth — turn the cap, andremove it.1. Remove the cooling system cap.2. Only when the engine is cool, loosenthe radiator drain plug and drain thecoolant into a suitable container.Properly dispose of the used coolant.8-13Form No. 8R65-EA-03C