Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Asx-Timing belt kit

Timing Belt Kit for the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX, one common question that pops up is whether this vehicle uses a timing belt kit or not. Understanding this is pretty important because servicing and maintaining the timing components is crucial for keeping the engine running smoothly. So, is a timing belt kit relevant for the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX? Let's dive into it.

The 2017 Mitsubishi ASX actually does not use a timing belt. Instead, it comes equipped with a timing chain. This is a key distinction because timing belts and timing chains serve the same purpose but have different maintenance requirements and longevity. Many modern vehicles, including the 2017 ASX, lean towards timing chains over belts because chains tend to last longer and don't need routine replacement like belts do.

To explain a bit further, a timing belt kit typically includes a belt, tensioners, pulleys, and sometimes water pumps or other related parts. These kits are specifically designed for engines that use timing belts because belts are made from rubber and other materials that wear out over time. If a timing belt fails, it can cause serious engine damage, which is why regular replacement according to the manufacturer's schedule is essential with a timing belt setup.

However, the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX's timing system is different. It uses a metal timing chain, which is much more durable and can last the lifetime of the vehicle if properly maintained. Timing chains are located inside the engine and run with the engine oil for constant lubrication, which helps reduce wear and tear. Because of this, the ASX does not have or require a timing belt kit for regular servicing or replacement.

So, why is there no timing belt kit for the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX? Essentially, it comes down to the design choice Mitsubishi made for this model's engine. Timing chains are preferred in many newer engines because they are more reliable long-term and less prone to sudden failure compared to belts. While timing chains can wear out eventually, they typically last well beyond the intervals where timing belts would need replacing.

This does not mean there is zero maintenance involved for the timing chain, but it certainly does mean less hassle compared to a timing belt system. The timing chain's maintenance focuses mostly on keeping the engine oil clean and changed at recommended intervals. Since the chain relies on engine oil for lubrication, poor oil quality or extended oil change intervals can accelerate wear on the chain and its associated components like tensioners or guides.

For owners of a 2017 Mitsubishi ASX, this is generally good news. They don't have to worry about the timing belt replacement costs or the risk of catastrophic engine failure if a belt snaps unexpectedly. Instead, they just need to ensure regular oil changes with the correct specifications and keep an eye out for any unusual engine noises or performance issues that might point to timing chain wear.

Even though there isn't a timing belt kit to worry about, it's still important to understand what a timing belt kit is, especially if you own other vehicles that do use them. For those engines, the timing belt kit is a crucial part of the servicing routine.

A timing belt kit typically includes the belt itself plus the tensioners, idler pulleys, and sometimes the water pump. These components work together to keep the timing belt tight and running smoothly over the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys, ensuring that the engine's valves open and close at the right time during each cylinder's cycle.

Replacing the timing belt kit on vehicles that require it is vital because a worn or broken belt can lead to severe engine damage. The belt's rubber material deteriorates over time due to heat and wear, and tensioners can also wear out or fail, causing the belt to slip or break. That's why manufacturer-recommended replacement intervals are so important and should be adhered to strictly.

When servicing a car with a timing belt kit, it's often advised to replace all the associated parts together. This prevents the need to disassemble everything again if one component fails shortly after the belt replacement. Many mechanics recommend changing the water pump at the same time since it's usually driven by the timing belt and exposing it means it's easy to replace then rather than later.

Back to the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX, drivers can appreciate the lower maintenance requirement that comes with its timing chain system. Just keep on top of routine servicing with oil changes and general vehicle checks. And if anything feels off with the engine's sound or performance, it's a good idea to see a trusted mechanic to have the timing chain tensioners and guides inspected. They can sometimes wear or become noisy over many years, but this tends to be an issue far down the road rather than something to worry about early in the car's life.

In short, the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX does not require a timing belt kit because it uses a timing chain instead. This design choice simplifies maintenance and increases reliability, giving ASX owners one less thing to worry about when it comes to servicing their vehicle's engine timing system.