Experiencing a sloshing sound in your 2017 Impreza can be concerning, and it’s often related to your vehicle’s cooling system. This sound is a key indicator that air may have entered the system, typically due to a drop in coolant levels within your overflow tank. Maintaining the correct coolant level is vital for the health and longevity of your 2017 Impreza engine. Let’s delve into why this happens and what it means for your Subaru.
Your 2017 Impreza, like all vehicles with internal combustion engines, relies on a sophisticated cooling system to regulate engine temperature. This system uses coolant to absorb heat from the engine and dissipate it through the radiator. A crucial component of this system is the coolant overflow tank, designed to manage the expansion and contraction of coolant as it heats up and cools down during engine operation.
Here’s how the system in your 2017 Impreza is designed to work: When your engine gets hot, the coolant expands. This increased volume of coolant is then pushed into the overflow tank through a valve located in the radiator cap. Importantly, your Impreza has two coolant caps, but it’s the lower pressure cap at the radiator that primarily manages this fluid transfer.
Conversely, when you turn off your 2017 Impreza and the engine cools, the coolant contracts. This creates a vacuum that opens the valve in the radiator cap, allowing the coolant stored in the overflow tank to be drawn back into the cooling system. This cycle repeats every time you drive your vehicle.
Alt text: Coolant overflow tank in a 2017 Subaru Impreza engine bay, showing fluid level indicators.
However, the cooling system in your 2017 Impreza is not completely sealed. Due to its design, a small amount of coolant evaporation is normal over time, especially at the opening of the suction tube in the overflow tank. This gradual coolant loss is why it’s essential for 2017 Impreza owners to regularly monitor the coolant level in the overflow tank and replenish it as needed to the “Full” line. Allowing the coolant level to drop too low can lead to air being sucked into the cooling system instead of coolant during the cooling cycle, which is the likely cause of the sloshing sound you are hearing in your 2017 Impreza.
If you’re hearing sloshing noises, it’s a clear indication that air is trapped within your 2017 Impreza’s cooling system. This is more than just an annoying sound; air pockets can significantly reduce the cooling system’s efficiency. Air is a poor heat conductor compared to coolant, and its presence can lead to localized overheating within the engine. Certain areas of your engine are particularly sensitive to overheating, and insufficient cooling can have serious consequences for the mechanical health and longevity of your 2017 Impreza engine.
Addressing air in your 2017 Impreza’s cooling system requires a careful process of refilling and “burping” the system to remove trapped air. While specialized tools can assist with this, it generally demands diligence and adherence to proper procedures. Furthermore, it’s crucial to only use Subaru Super Coolant in your 2017 Impreza. Using any other type of coolant can lead to compatibility issues and potentially damage your cooling system.
Given the complexity and importance of the cooling system, and if you are not experienced with automotive maintenance, it is strongly recommended to seek assistance from a qualified professional to address coolant issues in your 2017 Impreza. Identifying and rectifying air in the system promptly is crucial to ensure your 2017 Impreza continues to run reliably and avoids potential engine damage from overheating. Catching this problem early, as you have, is a positive step towards maintaining the health of your vehicle.
