The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Coolant Type for Your 2017 Lincoln MKZ

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Firstly, it's crucial to understand what coolant does. It's not just about preventing your engine from freezing in cold weather or boiling over in the heat. It's also about protecting your engine from corrosion and helping maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Warning! Safety First

Before we go further, remember never to open the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot. It’s not just about spilling; it’s about your safety. Hot coolant can cause severe burns. Always wait for the engine to cool down.

Choosing the Right Coolant

1. The Right Specification
   For our 2017 Lincoln MKZ, the specified coolant is Motorcraft® Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (WSS-M97B44-D2). This is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity for the health of our car's engine.
2. Why Not Just Any Coolant?
   You might think, "Coolant is coolant, right?" But no, using the wrong type can cause significant harm to your engine. The Motorcraft® coolant is specifically designed to work with the metals and gaskets in our MKZ's engine.
3. Concentration Matters
   The recommended concentration of coolant should be between 48% to 50%. This concentration ensures protection from temperatures as low as -34°C to -37°C. Anything beyond these levels can either reduce the coolant's effectiveness or potentially harm the engine.

Adding and Checking Coolant

How to Add Coolant

• Wait for the Engine to Cool: Never open the coolant cap on a hot engine.
• Unscrew the Cap Slowly: Let any pressure escape.
• Add the Right Coolant: Remember, we’re using Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant.
• Fill to the Right Level: Ensure the coolant level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
• Check Regularly: Especially after adding new coolant.

Checking the Coolant Level

Check the level when the engine is cold. The coolant expands when hot, so checking it in a heated state could give you a false reading.

Special Conditions

Extreme Climates

If you live in a very cold or hot climate, you might need to adjust the concentration of your coolant:

• Cold Climates: Up to 60% concentration for better freeze protection.
• Hot Climates: A 40% concentration might be more suitable for better overheating protection.

Fail-Safe Cooling

Our MKZ comes with a fail-safe cooling system. If the engine overheats, it automatically adjusts to prevent damage. However, it's a temporary solution. If you see the temperature gauge rising, it’s time to check and possibly add coolant.

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What Not to Do

• Don’t Mix Coolants: Different types of coolants can react badly with each other.
• Avoid Additives: These can harm your engine.
• No Substitutes: Things like alcohol, methanol, or brine are a big no-no.
• Recycled Coolant: There’s no approved recycling process yet, so it’s better to avoid it.

Environmental Responsibility

When disposing of old coolant, do it responsibly. Follow your community’s guidelines for disposing of automotive fluids.

Conclusion

Maintaining the right coolant in your 2017 Lincoln MKZ isn’t just about performance; it’s about longevity and safety. By following these guidelines, we can ensure our vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently, regardless of the weather conditions.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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