What does it mean if a small boat icon appears on the car dashboard?

[ORonan]

Water temperature warning light: The optimal water temperature while driving is around 90 degrees Celsius. If it overheats, there is a risk of boiling, at which point the warning light will illuminate. Here are the specific reasons for high water temperature: Low coolant level: Insufficient or inappropriate coolant cannot effectively dissipate the heat generated by the engine components, leading to overheating. Cooling system malfunction: Blockages in the radiator grille or core ventilation ducts by debris can impair cooling. A faulty cooling fan may fail to transfer heat to the antifreeze during high-speed operation, causing the antifreeze temperature to rise and potentially leading to boiling.

[DeJesse]

I also saw that small boat icon when I first started driving, and later learned it indicates low coolant level. It could be caused by a leak or evaporation in the cooling system. If left unaddressed, the engine temperature may rise to dangerous levels, potentially damaging core engine components, which would be expensive to repair. I recommend you immediately find a safe place to pull over, turn off the engine, and check the coolant reservoir under the hood to see if the level is below the MIN mark. If so, add some distilled water or dedicated coolant as a temporary solution, but don't delay—visit a professional repair shop for thorough inspection as soon as possible. Additionally, this icon sometimes appears on vehicles that have driven through deep water, indicating the water sensor has triggered a warning. Be cautious to avoid deep water areas to prevent electrical short circuits. In short, dashboard symbols are no joke—regular maintenance can prevent these issues.

[DeMiguel]

The first time I saw that little boat icon, I was totally confused and thought it was some kind of game symbol on my car! Later, I asked a friend and learned it's usually a warning for low coolant. If the coolant level is too low, the engine temperature can rise rapidly, which might even lead to engine seizure while driving. Don't panic right away—after parking safely, check the coolant reservoir, typically located on the right side of the engine bay. If the level is low, you can add some distilled water as a temporary fix. But don't cut corners trying to DIY—if there's a leak, it could get worse. Last time this happened to me, I just drove straight to the repair shop and got it sorted for a small fee. Remember, modern car sensors are very sensitive—when such icons appear, it's a reminder not to slack off.

[ArthurAnn]

That small boat symbol indicates an issue with the cooling system, most likely low fluid level or overheating. As a parent, I believe safety comes first - don't let children take risks by riding in this condition. This situation may lead to engine overheating failure, making a roadside breakdown extremely dangerous. You should slow down, pull over safely and check the coolant reservoir first. If the level is low, add distilled water. If there's no improvement, call for a tow truck to take it to a repair shop to check for leaks or water pump failure. For regular maintenance, pay attention to the coolant replacement cycle - changing it every 2-3 years can prevent such troubles.