What to Do When the Car Engine Temperature Warning Light Comes On?
2 Answers
When the car engine temperature warning light comes on, it alerts the driver that the engine is overheating. You should immediately pull over to a safe area without turning off the engine, open the hood to allow heat to dissipate, and then check if the coolant level in the auxiliary tank is too low. If the coolant level is below the 'min' line, it indicates that the coolant is insufficient. If possible, add coolant. In case coolant is not available, mineral water can be used as a temporary substitute, but it's important to replace it with new coolant as soon as possible. Coolant, also known as antifreeze coolant, is designed to prevent freezing. It protects the radiator from cracking and the engine cylinder block from freezing damage during cold weather when the vehicle is parked.
That time on the highway, my coolant temperature warning light suddenly came on, and my heart sank knowing something was seriously wrong. Engine overheating could cause severe damage, so I immediately turned on the hazard lights and slowly pulled over to avoid an accident. Never rush to open the radiator cap, or the hot steam could scald you. I waited patiently outside the car for about ten minutes to let the engine cool down. After it cooled, I checked the coolant level and found it was indeed low—most likely due to a water pump or radiator leak. Fortunately, I had a bottle of purified water on hand and added some temporarily, but it wasn’t a permanent fix. I had to call a tow truck to take the car to the repair shop, where they discovered the thermostat was stuck. This incident serves as a wake-up call for everyone—regular maintenance of the cooling system, including periodic coolant replacement, is crucial. Never ignore small warning signs, or they could lead to major disasters.
