Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Asx-Coolant

2017 Mitsubishi ASX Coolant: What It Does and How to Keep It Healthy

The 2017 Mitsubishi ASX, like most modern vehicles, relies on a coolant system to keep its engine running smoothly and efficiently. Coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, plays a pivotal role in regulating engine temperature, preventing overheating, and protecting the internal components from damage caused by extreme heat or freezing conditions. It's definitely a key part of maintaining the health of your ASX's engine.

Coolant is a specially formulated liquid that circulates through the engine and radiator. Its main job is to absorb heat generated by the engine's combustion process and disperse it through the radiator where it can safely dissipate into the air. Without coolant, the engine could overheat quickly which risks serious damage like a blown head gasket or warped engine parts. In colder weather, coolant's antifreeze properties prevent the liquid inside the engine from freezing, which could otherwise cause cracks or blockages in the cooling system.

For the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX, the manufacturer recommends using a specific type of coolant known as long-life or extended-life coolant, generally an ethylene glycol-based formula with corrosion inhibitors. This formulation not only slows down the natural deterioration of the coolant over time but also helps protect the radiator and engine components from corrosion, rust, and scale build-up.

Keeping the coolant in top shape is important to avoid expensive repairs down the track. Mitsubishi recommends checking the coolant level regularly and topping it up with the correct type if necessary. Over time, coolant can become contaminated with rust or lose its antifreeze and anti-corrosion properties, which reduces its effectiveness. Old or degraded coolant can cause overheating or damage internal parts of the cooling system like the water pump, heater core, and thermostat.

As part of routine servicing, it is usually advised to replace the coolant completely every few years or according to the vehicle's service manual. For the 2017 ASX, changing the coolant every 5 years or 160,000 kilometres is a good rule of thumb, but this can vary depending on how harsh the driving conditions are. If the car is often used in hot Australian summers or towing loads, more frequent coolant checks and changes might be necessary.

When replacing the coolant, it is important to drain the old fluid fully and flush the cooling system if needed, before refilling with Mitsubishi-approved coolant mixed to the correct ratio with distilled water. Using the wrong type of coolant or mixing incompatible coolants can lead to chemical reactions that cause system blockages or corrosion. Keeping the cooling system in good condition also extends the life of the radiator, hoses, and thermostat.

Signs that coolant might need attention include the temperature gauge creeping up, coolant leaks under the car, a sweet smell from the engine bay, or the heater not blowing warm air properly. Regular servicing will often include inspection of the coolant level, condition and pressure checks on the cooling system to catch any potential issues early.

For Mitsubishi ASX owners who want to keep their vehicles reliable, understanding the role of coolant and maintaining it properly is a smart move. It's a relatively simple and affordable way to protect the engine and avoid costly breakdowns. Just remember: using the correct type, checking the levels, and swapping it out at the recommended intervals helps keep the ASX running cool, whether you're cruising around town or hitting the open road.