What Does the Kettle Symbol on the Car Mean?
4 Answers
The kettle symbol on the car is the engine oil pressure warning light, which indicates whether the oil pressure is normal. If this light stays on or flashes while driving normally, it is important to check whether the engine is low on oil and perform timely inspections and repairs to avoid potential hazards. Reasons for the oil pressure warning light staying on: 1. Insufficient engine oil level; 2. Dirty or overly viscous oil; 3. Oil thinning due to high engine temperature; 4. Oil pipe leakage, oil pump damage, or excessive wear of components; 5. Excessive clearance between the crankshaft and bearings; 6. Weak, stuck, or damaged springs or steel balls in the pressure relief valve; 7. Faulty oil pressure sensor, gauge, or circuit causing low oil pressure.
Hey, when that kettle-shaped warning light on your dashboard comes on while driving, it's most likely the coolant system warning light alerting you to low coolant levels or an overheating engine. It means your car's antifreeze might be running low or the engine is about to overheat—you can't ignore this light, or else the engine could overheat and get destroyed, leading to hefty repair bills. There could be various reasons, like a cracked radiator leaking fluid, a stuck cooling fan not spinning, or simply neglecting maintenance causing the coolant to evaporate over time. If this happens, the first thing I do is slow down, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool before opening the hood to check the coolant reservoir. If the level is low, top it up with dedicated coolant or, in a pinch, use distilled water as a temporary fix. Of course, don't push your luck on long drives—safety first! It's best to get to a repair shop ASAP for a thorough checkup to prevent a small issue from turning into a big problem.
I've been driving for decades and often see that water jug light come on, which usually means a cooling warning, indicating coolant issues or excessive engine temperature rise. I remember once on the highway when it suddenly flashed, I immediately pulled over and turned off the engine. Upon checking, I found a loose radiator connection causing a leak. The fix was simple—top up the coolant after it cooled down, and later I replaced the sealing ring, which solved the problem. The key is not to delay—when the light comes on, it means there's a fault in the cooling system, which could lead to engine cracking or even a fire risk. I make it a habit to pop the hood every month to check the coolant reservoir, ensuring the level is between the min and max lines. Using a branded coolant works better. Developing this habit helps avoid unexpected issues, and a quick glance at the dashboard before heading out saves worry, money, and keeps you at ease.
When I was a new driver, I didn't understand what that kettle symbol meant. After checking, I learned it's the coolant warning light. If it comes on, it means the coolant level is too low or the engine is overheating, which is very dangerous. This indicates you shouldn't continue driving and must stop and turn off the engine immediately. Wait a few minutes, then check if the antifreeze level is low. If it is, add some purified water to cool it down, but never add it directly when the engine is hot to avoid cracking components. If you can't handle it, just call a tow truck for repairs. The reasons could be simple, like a coolant leak or not checking it for too long. A quick glance at the dashboard before driving can prevent problems.
