Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Radiator cap

The Radiator Cap on the 2017 Subaru Exiga: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Subaru Exiga is a reliable people mover that's popular for its spacious interior and smooth ride. When it comes to its cooling system, one common question that pops up is whether this vehicle uses a traditional radiator cap or not. After a thorough look into technical sources and factory service manuals, it turns out the 2017 Subaru Exiga does indeed have a radiator cap as part of its cooling system. This means the cap plays an important role in maintaining the car's engine temperature and overall health.

A radiator cap might seem like a simple part, but it's actually critical to the vehicle's cooling efficiency. It's mounted right on the radiator neck or the expansion tank, depending on the car's design. In the case of the Subaru Exiga, the radiator cap is fitted on the cooling system's expansion tank rather than directly on the radiator core itself, following a more modern design approach. This setup still retains the functions commonly expected from a radiator cap.

So what exactly does the radiator cap do? Its main job is to act as a pressure valve for the cooling system. When the engine heats up, the coolant inside expands and generates pressure. The radiator cap is built to withstand and regulate this pressure, usually around 120 kPa (17 psi), although this value can vary slightly depending on the specific cap. By controlling pressure, the cap raises the boiling point of the coolant, allowing the system to run hotter without overheating. This ensures the engine stays at the right temperature, even during tough driving conditions or hot Aussie summers.

Another important function of the radiator cap is its role in coolant recovery. Modern cooling systems, like the one in the 2017 Subaru Exiga, use a closed system with an overflow or expansion tank. When the coolant heats up and pressure builds, excess coolant is pushed into the overflow tank through the radiator cap's valve. Then, as the engine cools down, the vacuum created in the cooling system pulls that coolant back from the tank into the main radiator. The radiator cap acts as the gatekeeper for this flow, making sure coolant levels stay consistent and the system stays balanced.

Given the importance of the radiator cap, it's important to keep an eye on it during regular vehicle servicing. Although the cap is often overlooked, a faulty or worn radiator cap can cause all sorts of issues, from coolant leaks to engine overheating. If the cap doesn't seal properly, coolant may escape or the system won't maintain the right pressure. This can lead to poor engine performance, potential overheating, or even costly damage if left unchecked.

When servicing a 2017 Subaru Exiga, mechanics usually inspect the radiator cap for signs of wear such as cracks, degraded rubber seals, or corrosion on the metal surfaces. They'll also test the pressure valve mechanism to make sure it holds the correct pressure without leaking. This is often done using a simple pressure tester that applies pressure to the cap and checks if it holds properly.

Replacing the radiator cap is a straightforward and affordable maintenance step. Subaru recommends using genuine radiator caps to ensure compatibility and reliability. If a replacement cap is needed, it's good practice to pick one that matches the exact pressure specification indicated in the vehicle's service manual or on the original cap itself. Using a cap with the wrong pressure rating can cause the engine to run hotter or cooler than intended, both of which are not ideal.

For everyday drivers, keeping an eye on coolant levels and visually inspecting the radiator cap isn't a bad idea. Watch out for signs like coolant leaks near the radiator neck or expansion tank, steam coming from under the hood, or the engine temperature gauge behaving erratically. Any of these could indicate a radiator cap issue that needs a closer look. If the cap looks corroded, cracked, or the rubber seal appears dried out, replacing it sooner rather than later will save headaches down the track.

When topping up coolant or flushing the cooling system, it's important to allow the engine to cool down completely before removing the radiator cap. Opening it while the engine is hot can cause hot coolant and steam to spray out, which is dangerous. The radiator cap is designed to hold steady pressure, removing it abruptly when hot releases that pressure suddenly. So, always wait for the engine to cool and wear gloves if possible when dealing with the coolant system.

Overall, the radiator cap on the 2017 Subaru Exiga plays a small but crucial role in keeping the engine running smoothly. Proper maintenance or replacement during servicing ensures the cooling system stays in top shape, preventing overheating issues and extending the life of the engine. It's one of those minor components that's worth paying attention to, even though it rarely gets much spotlight.

To wrap things up, if you own a 2017 Subaru Exiga or are looking after one, don't overlook the radiator cap during routine maintenance. Checking its function, inspecting for wear, and replacing it when needed is a smart move that helps keep your ride reliable and cool, no matter the conditions.