What does 'park and turn off the engine due to coolant' mean?
3 Answers
The reason why the car prompts 'park and turn off the engine due to coolant' may be caused by insufficient coolant, leading to engine overheating, poor grounding of the coolant pump, or coolant pump failure. Here is some relevant information: Precautions for adding coolant: Different types of automotive coolants have different performance characteristics, and coolants with different performance should not be mixed, as chemical reactions can easily occur. After adding water to the coolant, the freezing point of the coolant will rise, making it less effective at cooling. Additionally, the tap water added contains scale and other impurities. Long-term use will not only produce sediment but also affect the performance of the car's cooling system. Function: The coolant should minimize the production of scale during circulation to avoid clogging the circulation pipes and affecting the heat dissipation function of the cooling system. In summary, when selecting and adding coolant, caution should be taken. First, choose a coolant with the appropriate ratio based on the specific situation. Second, add the coolant. Add the selected coolant to the radiator until the liquid level reaches the specified position.
The engine shutting off due to low coolant is actually an important self-protection mechanism for vehicles. My car once experienced low coolant levels—the dashboard warning light flashed first, followed by the engine automatically cutting off. The design principle is simple: when the onboard computer detects insufficient coolant or overheating, it immediately forces a shutdown. Excessive engine heat can melt pistons or even seize cylinders, costing thousands to repair. Last time this happened to me on the highway, I immediately turned on the hazard lights and pulled over. After the engine cooled down, I added half a bottle of purified water as a temporary measure to drive to the repair shop. The mechanic said it was caused by a leak in the coolant reservoir, which was fixed in half an hour. Remember, never push through abnormal engine temperatures—automatic shutdown is a life-saving feature.
This feature specifically protects the engine and is commonly found in modern models. My old car previously had its coolant leak unnoticed, resulting in the engine overheating and seizing up directly, with extremely expensive repair costs. The principle is that when the cooling system fails, the sensor triggers the ECU to cut off fuel supply to avoid cylinder scoring. The dashboard will display a red water temperature warning, similar to a phone shutting down when out of battery. After encountering this issue, I always keep antifreeze in the trunk and immediately top it up when the level drops below the MIN mark. Especially before long trips in summer, it's essential to check if the rubber hoses are aged or cracked to prevent breakdowns midway. During regular maintenance, remember to test the freezing point, as aged coolant corroding the radiator is even more dangerous.
