Can You Still Drive When the Coolant Warning Light Comes On?
1 Answers
You should not continue driving when the coolant warning light comes on. The coolant warning indicates that the car's coolant level is insufficient, or it may be an alert for an overheated radiator. Continuing to drive could cause the engine temperature to rise further, potentially damaging the engine. If the coolant warning is due to the engine overheating, it is best to pull over safely, keep the engine running at idle, open the hood to allow it to cool down until the temperature warning disappears. If the issue is due to low coolant levels and you don't have coolant available for immediate replenishment, you can add an appropriate amount of purified water—preferably soft water, such as distilled water. However, avoid using hard water like tap water, and do not add too much, as it could alter the coolant's boiling point.