If there is no sign of a leak, have a look at the coolant tank – it will usually have a bright yellow cap and a picture of the radiator. You might be able to see, hear of even smell this when you open the bonnet. The light could be caused by several factors, but the most likely is either a loss of coolant or a fault with the sensor.Ī coolant loss could be caused by a leak somewhere in the system, such as a split hose or a hole in the radiator. What causes the engine coolant warning light to come on? Then you can do some basic checks yourself or call for help. If the coolant level is low or there is another problem with your cooling system, you could cause serious damage by continuing to drive. If the light is red, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine.
Is it safe to keep driving if my engine coolant light comes on? If you are not confident to do this yourself, then call your breakdown provider for help. In any of these cases you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and check the level of the coolant manually. The light may also show amber, which means the coolant level is low, or red, which means it is below the minimum or the car is overheating. When it shows, it is good practice not to put the engine under too much strain as the oil will not be able to offer the maximum protection and you may use more fuel. This is nothing to worry about – it merely shows the engine is warming up and is not yet at its ideal working temperature. Some cars and vans which do not have a separate engine temperature gauge will show the symbol lit up in blue when the car is cold. Generally, it will look like a thermometer floating in water, or possibly like a radiator. Most cars will also flash up all of the warning lights briefly when you turn on the ignition as part of a test cycle, so you may be able to spot it then too.
#Check coolant level manual
Individual car manufacturers will use different symbols for the coolant warning light, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the car’s manual or ask a member of Eden’s staff to show you when you take delivery of your new car or are next in for a service. Or, if you’re not confident doing it yourself, your local NRMA mobile mechanic can do it for you.What does the engine coolant warning light mean? Need help? Book a car serviceĪ few minutes checking under the bonnet could save you a lot of hassle and expense. NRMA Members get discounts at Repco so make sure you check to see if you can find the best price. If the level is low, check the owner’s manual for the correct type of coolant to use and the right way to top up the level for your car. Then locate your coolant reservoir, and make sure that the water level is between the minimum and maximum levels. To check the levels, lift your car’s bonnet, and be sure that it’s secured. The overflow bottle usually has a brightly coloured cap and is connected to the radiator at the front of the car. The coolant level should be between the two marks. Generally, low and high markings on the side of the plastic overflow bottle connected to the cooling system tell you if there is enough coolant in the engine. It's also a good idea to consult your owner's manual at this point as it can guide you through the specifics of your vehicle. Let it sit for a few hours after driving before you remove the radiator cap, otherwise hot coolant can spray out, causing burns. Thankfully, checking the level is an easy job to do.įirst and foremost, before you inspect your car’s cooling system you must ensure the engine is cool. Coolant, which is often green or red, contains chemicals that stop the liquid from freezing in sub-zero climates and prevents corrosion damage inside the engine.Ĭhecking the level is important as it can prevent problems such as your engine overheating and your vehicle breaking down. It’s not actually water in your engine, but coolant. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.Check your coolant level every time you refuel.Prevent costly damage by checking your car’s coolant levels.
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