Owner Maintenance; Maintenance and Care; Do not overfill.- Page 246

8-12

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

If it’s at or near L, add enough coolant to 
the coolant reservoir to provide freezing 
and corrosion protection and to bring the 
level to F.

Do not overfill.

If new coolant is required frequently, 
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

▼

Changing Coolant (Without Rear 
Heater)

Change coolant according to Scheduled 
Maintenance (page 8-3).

For mixture percentage:

To change coolant

1. Remove the cooling system cap.

Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly.

•

Use only soft (demineralized) water 
in the coolant mixture. Water that 
contains minerals will cut down on 
the coolant’s effectiveness.

•

Don’t add only water. Always add a 
proper coolant mixture.

•

The engine has aluminum parts and 
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent 
corrosion and freezing.

•

DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol 
antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol 
or methanol with the coolant. This 
could damage the cooling system.

•

Don’t use a solution that contains 
more than 60 % antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.

CAUTION

CAUTION

Protection

Volume

Antifreeze 
solution

Water

Above -16°C (3°F)

35%

65%

Above -26°C (-15°F)

45%

55%

Above -40°C (-40°F)

55%

45%

Removing the Cooling System Cap:
Removing the cooling system cap or 
drain plug while the engine is 
running or hot is dangerous. This 
might lead to cooling system and 
engine damage and could result in 
serious injury from escaping hot 
coolant or steam. Turn off the engine 
and wait until it’s cool. Even then, be 
very careful when removing the cap 
or drain plug. Wrap a thick cloth 
around it and slowly turn it 
counterclockwise to the first stop.
Step back while the pressure escapes. 
When you’re sure all the pressure is 
gone, press down on the cap—still 
using a cloth—turn the cap, and 
remove it.

WARNING

F
L

Tighten

Loosen

Tighten

Loosen

J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book  Page 12  Saturday, June 8, 2002  11:16 AM