What does a faucet symbol on the car mean?

[VanAndres]

A faucet symbol on the car is the engine malfunction indicator light. When this symbol appears, it indicates that the car's engine has a problem. Engine malfunctions can cause unstable idling, frequent stalling, difficulty starting, reduced power, and abnormal vibrations. If the faucet symbol appears on the dashboard, it is important to immediately take the vehicle to a repair shop for professional inspection to avoid unnecessary issues. There are many reasons why the engine malfunction light may illuminate, including engine misfire, severe carbon buildup, overheating, faulty spark plugs, or clogged fuel systems. Since engine issues can be complex, it is recommended to visit a repair shop or 4S store for professional diagnosis and repair.

[DelKiara]

Once during a long-distance drive, I also saw this 'kettle' icon light up on the dashboard, which is actually the engine coolant overheating warning. I ignored it at the time, and the engine nearly seized up and got ruined. Later, the mechanic told me: when this warning light comes on, you must stop and turn off the engine immediately! Otherwise, the high temperature can cause cylinder deformation and piston melting, leading to repair costs that can run into tens of thousands. It's important to develop a habit of checking the coolant regularly. When the engine is cool, unscrew the white reservoir cap - the fluid level should be between MIN and MAX. If it's low, don't just top it up with tap water, as mineral deposits can clog the system. Using distilled water is the safest emergency solution. Potential root causes could be a leaking radiator, faulty fan, or stuck thermostat - getting it repaired promptly is crucial to save the engine.

[JohnFitz]

I mentioned this faucet icon when teaching my neighbor about the car—it indicates an engine overheating warning. There are several possible causes: coolant leakage is the most common, so check the ground for pinkish water stains; if the radiator fan fails, you won't hear its humming sound; a broken water pump impeller can disrupt circulation. If the light comes on, you must do three things immediately: pull over and turn off the engine, open the hood to let heat escape (don’t touch the radiator cap—it can cause burns), and call for roadside assistance. Never use a wet towel to cool the engine, as rapid cooling can crack the metal. I always keep a small bottle of concentrated coolant in my car—when levels are low, I mix it 1:1 with distilled water and top it off. Preventive measures include changing the coolant every two years and rinsing pollen or debris from the radiator grille during car washes.

[StWyatt]

Veteran car owners dread seeing this symbol—a thermometer dipped in wavy lines, professionally known as the coolant temperature warning light. Its appearance signals a failure in the engine cooling system. Common causes include aging hoses leaking, a stuck thermostat, or clogged radiator fins. The response protocol is clear: immediately shut off the engine and pull over when the light flashes, as prolonged overheating can burn through the cylinder head gasket. After allowing 30 minutes for natural cooling, check the coolant reservoir level under the hood. Remember to use -35°C antifreeze in winter and high-boiling-point coolant in summer—mixing them will render them ineffective. Last year, my car’s electric fan connector had poor contact, which also triggered this warning; cleaning the contact points resolved the issue.

[LoganLee]

The wave faucet icon on the dashboard is actually a distress signal from the cooling system. I remember being confused as a beginner, but now I understand: when the engine is running, the light will come on if the water temperature exceeds 130°C. There are two risk levels—if the light is flashing, you can still drive slowly to a repair shop, but if it stays on, you must stop immediately! Once, a friend of mine ignored it on the highway, and the cylinder head ended up cracking. For daily maintenance, pay attention to whether the temperature gauge often approaches the red line. If you feel a significant temperature difference between the upper and lower hoses, it means the thermostat is stuck. Replacing the water pump every 60,000 kilometers is the safest bet, and rubber hoses will inevitably age after 8 years. In an emergency, if you're short on coolant, mineral water can temporarily substitute, but you must thoroughly flush the system afterward.