Why Routine Inspections Are Necessary
What starts as a simple oil change can sometimes save an entire engine. We recently saw a Mazda CX-9 in our Rancho Cordova, CA shop for routine maintenance. While the SUV was on the lift, our technician noticed the coolant reservoir was completely empty.
The Diagnostic: Finding the "Hidden" Coolant Leak
A low coolant level in a newer vehicle is a major red flag. With the customer's approval, we performed a coolant system pressure test.
Once we pressurized the system to 16 psi, the culprit appeared: a steady leak on the driver’s side of the engine bay. We traced the failure to the coolant inlet and outlet gaskets.
Is This a Known Issue?
Yes. Many vehicle owners are starting to see coolant loss issues as early as 65,000 miles. If left unaddressed, an empty reservoir leads to:
- Engine Overheating: Which can warp the cylinder head or blow a head gasket.
- Turbocharger Damage: In the CX-9's 2.5L Turbo engine, consistent cooling is vital for turbo longevity.
- Stranded on the Road: A small gasket leak can quickly turn into a major hose burst under high-speed driving.
Why Routine Inspections Matter
This customer came in for an oil change but left with the peace of mind that their engine wouldn't overheat on the way home.
At Asian Imports Garage, we don't just "change the oil"—we inspect the vital fluids that keep your vehicle reliable.
Noticing a sweet smell or a low coolant light in your Vehicle? Don't top it off and hope for the best. Bring it to Asian Imports Garage for a professional cooling system pressure test today.
