Is it serious if the coolant warning light comes on in the car?
2 Answers
It is serious if the coolant warning light comes on in the car. The cooling system warning light (red) indicates that the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Engine overheating: The air in the antifreeze generates a lot of foam when stirred by the water pump, which can hinder the heat dissipation of the water jacket wall. Calcium and magnesium ions in the water slowly form scale at certain high temperatures, significantly reducing the heat dissipation capacity. At the same time, it can also cause local blockage of the water channels and pipes, preventing the antifreeze from flowing normally. The engine components expand due to heat, disrupting the normal fitting clearance, affecting the cylinder's air intake, reducing power, and diminishing the lubricating effect of the engine oil. Coolant level too low: The normal operating temperature of the engine is around 90 degrees. If the water temperature is too high, it may be caused by insufficient coolant in the antifreeze reservoir. It could also be due to too much water mixed into the antifreeze. The function of the antifreeze is to help cool the entire radiator system. When it is lacking or there is too much water, the engine may "boil over."
After driving for so many years, what I fear most is the sudden illumination of the coolant warning light. When this light comes on, it usually indicates trouble in the system: either the coolant level is low, there's a leak, or the temperature is too high and has exceeded the limit. Never rush to keep driving. Last time I tried to keep going at full speed, and the engine almost overheated and was nearly ruined, costing me over ten thousand yuan to repair. The best course of action is to immediately slow down, pull over, let the car cool for a while, and then open the hood to check the coolant reservoir. If the level is too low, you can add some distilled water or specialized coolant as an emergency measure. But be careful when opening the cap on a hot engine—steam can shoot out and cause burns. If there's a real leak, you'll need to call a tow truck—safety first. Make it a habit to check the coolant level every month to avoid regrets when problems arise.
