What to Do When the Coolant Warning Light Comes On?
2 Answers
When the coolant warning light comes on, you should promptly add coolant. The illumination of the coolant warning light indicates that the coolant level is too low. Continuing to drive with insufficient coolant can affect the engine's heat dissipation and potentially damage the engine. Coolant needs to be replaced regularly. If not changed for a long time, the coolant's freezing point may rise and boiling point may drop, which can impair the engine's normal operation. When replacing coolant, always go to a professional shop and use specialized equipment. Inside the engine, coolant follows two circulation paths: a major cycle and a minor cycle. When the engine is first started, the coolant undergoes a minor cycle to allow the engine to warm up quickly. During the minor cycle, the coolant does not pass through the radiator for cooling. Once the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, the coolant switches to a major cycle, where it flows through the radiator to dissipate heat.
I once encountered a situation where the coolant warning light came on while driving. It happened on the highway when the light suddenly turned on. I immediately slowed down and pulled over because continuing to drive could have caused the engine to overheat and fail. After stopping, I waited a few minutes for the engine to cool down, then opened the hood to check the coolant reservoir level, which was indeed below the minimum line. I added some spare coolant I had, temporarily solving the problem. Later, I drove to a repair shop and found out there was a minor leak. Now, I always keep a small bottle of coolant in my car to prevent emergencies. If you ignore the warning light, the engine could suffer severe damage, leading to expensive repairs. My advice is not to panic if this happens—handle it step by step and then check the cause.
