1997 Mercury Mystique Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 187

The engine coolant recovery reservoir (2.5L shown - 2.0L similar) Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's engine under Engine Type, in this chapter. Check the engine coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir at least once a month using the following guidelines. When your vehicle's engine is cool, the coolant level in the engine coolant recovery reservoir should be at or above the MIN mark. When the engine is hot, the coolant level should be at the MAX mark. If the level is below the indicator mark in either condition, coolant may need to be added. The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the Maintenance Schedule booklet. 188