Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Freeze Protection, Checking And Adding Coolant Additive
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Refractometer -T10007 A-
Read the bright/ark boundary to obtain an accurate reading for the following tests. Place a drop of water on the glass to improve the readability of the bright/dark boundary. The bright/dark boundary can be clearly recognized on the "WATERLINE".
-- Check the concentration of the coolant additive using refractometer -T10007 A- (operating instructions).
The scale -1- on the refractometer applies to coolant additive G12 Plus Plus.
The scale -2- is designed only for coolant additive G13.
The freeze protection must be guaranteed down to approximately -13°F (-25 °C).
If for climatic reasons greater freeze protection is required, the amount of G12 Plus Plus can be increased, but only up to 60% (freeze protection down to approximately -40°F (-40°C), otherwise freeze protection and cooling effectiveness will be reduced.
-- If freeze protection is insufficient, drain off required quantity shown in freeze protection table and add coolant additive G12 Plus Plus.
Follow all waste disposal regulations.
| Freeze protection to | Difference (in liters) | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual value | Specified value | 4-cylinder engines |
| 0°C (32°F) | -25°C (-13°F) | 3.5 |
| -35°C (-31°F) | 4.0 | |
| -5°C (23°F) | -25°C (-13°F) | 3.0 |
| -35°C (-31°F) | 3.5 | |
| -10°C (14°F) | -25°C (-13°F) | 2.0 |
| -35°C (-31°F) | 3.0 | |
| -15°C (5°F) | -25°C (-13°F) | 1.5 |
| -35°C (-31°F) | 2.0 | |
| -20°C (-4°F) | -25°C (-13°F) | 1.0 |
| -35°C (-31°F) | 1.5 | |
| -25°C (-13°F) | -35°C (-31°F) | 1.0 |
| -30°C (-22°F) | -35°C (-31°F) | 0.5 |
| -35°C (-31°F) | -40°C (-40°F) | 0.5 |
-- Check the freeze protection after the road test.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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