What does it mean when the thermometer light on the car dashboard comes on?
2 Answers
The main reason for this light to come on is an abnormal temperature inside the radiator. The solutions for when the thermometer light comes on are as follows: 1. The driver should immediately park the vehicle in a safe area, but do not turn off the engine. 2. Let the engine continue to run at idle speed while opening the hood to allow heat to dissipate. 3. If you notice steam or heat emanating from the hood before opening it, observe the situation first and avoid opening it hastily to prevent burns. Precautions: 1. Regardless of the car brand, the radiator temperature should generally remain around 90 degrees Celsius. If the temperature rises above or falls below 90 degrees, the thermometer light will turn red. 2. In such cases, the driver must take immediate action to address the internal temperature. Continuing to drive could easily lead to a failure in the cooling system and, in more severe cases, cause direct damage to vehicle components.
I just encountered this situation last week! I was on the highway when I saw the temperature gauge suddenly spike into the red zone, which scared me into pulling over immediately. The most common reasons for this warning light to come on are issues with the cooling system: either the coolant level is too low—pop the hood and check if the overflow tank level is below the minimum line—or the water pump isn’t working or there’s a leak from a burst hose. A stuck thermostat can also disrupt circulation, just like the issue I discovered when repairing my car last year. Another culprit could be a faulty fan, especially in stop-and-go traffic where overheating is more likely. If you smell a sweet odor or see white smoke, shut off the engine right away—it might be a blown head gasket. Remember, never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, as the steam can scald you. Keeping a bottle of distilled water in the trunk is a lifesaver for emergencies.
