Engine Coolant Protection Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda Protege5 and 2003 Mazda Protege. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Measure the coolant temperature and specific gravity with a thermometer and a hydrometer.
CAUTION:
- The engine has aluminum parts that can be damaged by alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use alcohol or methanol in the cooling system. Use only ethylene-glycol-based coolant.
- Use only soft (demineralized) water in the coolant mixture. Water that contains minerals will cut down on the coolant's effectiveness.
Determine the coolant protection by referring to the graph shown.
- If the coolant protection is not correct, add water or coolant.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Coolant Protection Graph
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.