What is the symbol for insufficient engine coolant?
4 Answers
When the engine coolant is insufficient, the water temperature warning light will display a thermometer shape, and there is also a kettle-shaped symbol. The functions of antifreeze are as follows: 1. Cooling effect: Cooling is the basic function of coolant. The engine generates a large amount of heat during operation, with 60% of the heat being dissipated to the surrounding space through the cooling system. Water and methanol coolants have low boiling points and are prone to boiling. If the vehicle operates under conditions where the coolant is boiling, even for a short period, it can cause engine damage or even complete failure. 2. Anti-scale effect: The coolant should minimize the formation of scale during circulation to prevent clogging of the circulation pipes and impairing the heat dissipation function of the cooling system. In summary, one should be cautious when selecting and adding coolant.
I learned this from my driving school instructor: The warning light for insufficient engine coolant looks like a thermometer floating on water, usually flashing yellow or red. When this light comes on, you must pull over immediately to check, or the engine can overheat and start smoking in no time. Once, I encountered this situation on the highway and found that the radiator hose connector had aged and was leaking, causing all the antifreeze to drain out. A reminder to all car owners: not only should you recognize this warning symbol, but it’s also best to keep a small bottle of antifreeze in the trunk for emergencies. Especially before long trips, remember to open the hood and check the coolant level in the overflow tank—it should be between the MIN and MAX marks to be safe.
Just helped my brother with this issue yesterday. The small yellow light that came on in the car is the coolant level warning signal, which looks like wavy lines with a thermometer symbol. This is no small matter - at best it leads to poor AC cooling performance, at worst it can cause complete engine seizure and failure. When you notice the warning light, don't turn off the engine immediately. Let it idle to cool down, then after about half an hour slowly open the radiator cap with a thick cloth to check. If the fluid level is below the marked line, it needs topping up. Pay special attention to potential rubber hose aging and leaks in older vehicles, as this happens more frequently during summer.
A veteran taxi driver with ten years of experience told me: If a red thermometer icon with ripples flashes on the dashboard, it means the coolant level is insufficient. The most common cause of this issue is pipe leakage, especially since the water pump seal ring typically degrades after about five years of use. If the warning light comes on, you must address it immediately. I once pushed my luck and drove about ten kilometers with the light on, only to end up with a costly major repair that set me back five thousand yuan. Now, I’ve made it a habit to pop the hood every month to check the fluid level. If the level in the auxiliary tank is below the marked line, I top it up with the same color antifreeze—never use tap water as a substitute, no matter what.
