Warning: Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with human skin or vehicle paintwork. If antifreeze comes into contact with these surfaces, wash it off immediately with plenty of water. Antifreeze can be fatal to children and animals. Remove spilled antifreeze from the garage floor and drain pan. Keep antifreeze in a closed container and repair any leaks in the cooling system immediately.
The cooling system must be filled with an antifreeze solution of water and ethylene glycol, which freezes at a temperature of at least -25°C or lower according to local climatic conditions. It also provides protection against corrosion and increases the boiling point of the coolant.
The cooling system must be drained, flushed and refilled in accordance with the intervals specified in Chapter 1. Using old or contaminated antifreeze will cause rust and scale to form in the system. Use distilled water to dilute the antifreeze.
Before adding antifreeze to the system, check all hose connections, as antifreeze leaks even through the smallest holes. During normal operation, the engine should not consume antifreeze. Therefore, if the antifreeze level decreases, find and eliminate the cause.
The required ratio of water to antifreeze in the solution depends on weather conditions. The mixture should contain at least 50% antifreeze, but not more than 70%. Before pouring coolant, study the water to antifreeze ratio chart on the antifreeze canister. To determine the water to antifreeze ratio, car service centers have hydrometers. Use antifreeze that meets the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.