See Also: Tyres & Wheels | Brakes | Fuel To keep your car’s engine running at peak efficiency, fluids need to be checked regularly and replaced with correct grade and types according to your Mitsubishi service schedule. During normal operation, engine oil becomes contaminated due to the by-products of combustion and normal wear. Oil is normally replaced at specified service intervals, in doing so you will protect against contaminants, deliver maximum fuel efficiency and emission reduction and increase your engine life.

If a vehicle is operated in any of the following conditions, it may be necessary to change the engine oil and filter more regularly due to increased contamination rates.

• Dusty conditions
• Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
• Driving for long periods in cold temperatures
• Regular driving of short distances only

Coolant keeps your engine running at the right temperature by circulating through the engine, absorbing heat as it passes through and transferring it to the atmosphere via the radiator.

• Protects against corrosion
• Helps the cooling system in hot weather by raising the liquid boiling point.
• Helps protect against freezing in cold weather

Engine oil filters trap minute particles of carbon and metal as they circulate in the engine lubricating system. If the filter is not replaced in accordance with the manufacturers schedule, the effectiveness of the filter is decreased which can reduce oil flow within the engine and also allow the solid particles to circulate and cause accelerated wear. Fuel filters trap rust, water and other foreign material that may originate in the fuel tank or from contaminated fuel. Water and other particulates circulating in the fuel can at best, result in poor engine performance, but can also cause costly damage to fuel injection systems. Again, failure to replace these filters as scheduled can result in costly repairs. Engine air filters remove highly abrasive dust particles from the air that is drawn into the engine to mix with the fuel in order to make the correct air fuel mixture that is required for proper engine performance.

A blocked air filter will result in a high fuel consumption and poor performance. A damaged or blocked air filter will allow the abrasive particles to be drawn into the engine. They will quickly cause engine wear which can’t be reversed. If a vehicle is operated in sandy or dusty conditions, the air filter will need cleaning or replacement more often than specified in the maintenance schedule.