Can You Drive with a Coolant Warning Light On?

[McMichael]

You should not drive with a coolant warning light on. A coolant warning indicates that the coolant level is low, which can cause the engine to overheat. Continuing to drive in this condition may damage the engine and reduce its lifespan. Another scenario is when the coolant warning light comes on right after starting the engine but disappears once the engine warms up. This happens because the coolant level is at the minimum threshold. When the engine is turned off, the coolant level drops (due to thermal contraction), triggering the warning when starting a cold engine. As the engine warms up, the coolant expands, and the warning light turns off. Coolant should typically be replaced every two years or 40,000 kilometers.