Correct Coolant Usage (TS 02 01074)

Publication date: 2004-01-07
Reference number: TS 02 01074

CORRECT COOLANT USAGE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): TS 02 01074, Date of Issue: January 07, 2004

SUZUKI:	1986-2004 ALL MODELS
SECTION:	General Info

CONDITION

There are three (3) basic types of coolant available in the market today. Ethylene Glycol Silicate Based, Ethylene Glycol Phosphate Based, and Organic Acid Based. The color of the coolant has nothing to do with the actual base coolant and is only the dye added by the coolant manufacturer. The only way to properly identify the type of base coolant is to READ THE LABEL.

For our new Verona and Forenza vehicles, the proper coolant to use is the Ethylene Glycol Silicate Based coolant. The proper mix is 50/50 coolant to water* and in no case higher then 70/30. Concentrations greater then 70/30 coolant to water will cause overheating conditions.

For all other Suzuki automotive products, the proper coolant is the Ethylene Glycol Phosphate Based coolant. Again, at a 50/50 coolant to water* mix, not to exceed 70/30.

*It is strongly recommended that either distilled water is used to mix with concentrated coolant or a "pre-mixed" coolant is used. This is especially important in areas where the tap water has a lot of dissolved minerals (Hard Water). The presence of an abundance of dissolved minerals may cause the Silicates or Phosphates to drop out of suspension and cause cooling system malfunction. (i.e. Rapid seal wear, block corrosion, passage way and/or radiator blockage.)

WARNING: DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF BASE COOLANTS. MIXING DIFFERENT BASE COOLANTS MAY RESULT IN ACCELERATED SEAL WEAR AND/OR THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE OVERHEATING AND EXTENSIVE ENGINE/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DAMAGE.