What does CH on the car dashboard mean?
3 Answers
The CH on the dashboard represents the water temperature gauge. The temperature scale ranges from C to H, where C indicates 60 degrees. Once the needle reaches C, it means the water temperature has reached 60 degrees. The red H mark represents 110 degrees, and the temperature can be estimated based on the span from 60 to 110 degrees. Generally, if the water temperature warning light stays on, it indicates a fault in the engine's cooling system. Common issues include: 1. Insufficient coolant in the engine cooling system, possibly due to leaks such as water pump leakage, pipe damage, or radiator damage. 2. A faulty thermostat in the engine cooling system causing the water temperature to rise too high. If the thermostat fails to open, it restricts the flow of coolant within the engine, leading to excessive coolant temperature.
I usually enjoy studying car structures. When the CH symbol appears on the dashboard, pay attention. This typically indicates Coolant High, meaning the coolant temperature is too high. It could signal issues with the cooling system, such as insufficient coolant, a blocked radiator, or a stuck cooling fan. Just the other day, my neighbor Lao Wang's car had this warning light on. Turned out his water pump was leaking and wasn't repaired in time, nearly damaging the engine. If you see the CH light on, never force the car to keep running. Pull over immediately, turn off the engine to let it cool down, and wait an hour before checking the fluid level. Make it a habit to regularly check the coolant reservoir's level marks, especially before long summer trips – topping up with antifreeze beforehand is the safest approach.
Having driven various old and new cars, seeing 'CH' light up on the dashboard is no trivial matter. When this light comes on, it's most likely indicating an overheated temperature gauge, meaning the engine's cooling system has failed. Common issues include: low coolant levels requiring a top-up, cracked hoses or leaking radiators needing repair, or a stuck thermostat failing to open. I recommend beginners keep a bottle of antifreeze in the car for emergencies and always check the hoses for discoloration or leaks before long trips. Especially when driving older cars, if you see this warning light, stop pressing the accelerator immediately. Turn off the engine, wait for the temperature to drop, and then open the hood to inspect. Otherwise, if the pistons seize due to overheating, a major repair could cost thousands.
