What does the warning light with a thermometer above waves indicate?
3 Answers
A warning light with a thermometer above waves indicates the engine coolant temperature warning, which shows the temperature of the coolant. Its specific functions are as follows: While driving: If the coolant temperature warning light stays on, it means the coolant temperature has exceeded the specified limit, and you should stop driving immediately. Coolant temperature warning light: Resembles a thermometer and is used to display the temperature of the engine coolant. A red light indicates the engine is overheating, while a blue or green light means it has not reached the operating temperature. Information about coolant: Coolant: Its full name is antifreeze coolant, meaning it has antifreeze properties. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and expanding during cold weather, which could damage the radiator and engine block. Composition: Coolant consists of water, antifreeze agents, and additives. Depending on the antifreeze agent used, it can be classified into types such as alcohol-based, glycerin-based, and ethylene glycol-based coolants.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered that warning light with the thermometer above wavy lines several times. That's definitely the overheating alarm. I remember last summer when I was driving on the highway, this icon lit up as I was going uphill, with the wavy lines flashing brightly, indicating that the coolant was boiling and the engine temperature was excessively high. I panicked and immediately pulled over, turned off the engine, and waited for the car to cool down. After checking, I found that the coolant reservoir was leaking, and the low fluid level caused poor heat dissipation. If I had continued driving, the engine might have been completely ruined, costing a fortune to repair. Now, I regularly check the coolant to avoid similar troubles. The overheating warning light is one of the most critical indicators on the dashboard. Drivers shouldn't underestimate it, especially before long trips—always ensure the cooling system is functioning properly. Otherwise, sudden issues on the highway can be really dangerous. Regular maintenance can reduce such risks, like cleaning the radiator or replacing the coolant. Simple actions ensure safety.
The thermometer icon with a wavy line underneath is the coolant temperature warning light, which essentially tells you the engine is about to boil. Common causes include insufficient coolant, a clogged radiator, or water pump failure. I once helped a friend fix his car when this warning appeared – after thorough troubleshooting, we found the thermostat was stuck, disrupting coolant circulation and causing overheating. The wavy line directly symbolizes liquid boiling, making the design highly intuitive. If you encounter this warning, you must stop immediately; otherwise, the engine may suffer cylinder scuffing, leading to repair costs exceeding thousands. The cooling system’s importance is often underestimated—it’s not just about topping up fluid; you also need to inspect the fan and belts. Regularly monitor dashboard indicators while driving and learn basic maintenance to avoid headaches.
