Why does my low coolant light keep coming on?

Why does my low coolant light keep coming on?

While coolant leaks are by far the most likely culprit behind your coolant levels dropping low enough to turn on the Low Coolant light, they certainly aren’t the only possible cause. Some additional reasons for why your low coolant light might come on include: Faulty coolant level sensor.

What do you do when your low coolant light comes on?

When the low coolant level warning light comes on, you should stop driving. Pull over to the side as soon as possible and shut off the engine to prevent any additional damage.

How do you fix low coolant?

If you don’t feel safe driving, have your car towed to the nearest shop. These repairs typically require the mechanic draining the coolant, and replacing the defective component, being either the water hose or the radiator. The mechanic will then refill the coolant to fix the low coolant level.

Why does my coolant light come on when its cold?

Why Does a Car’s Coolant Light Come on Even in Cold Weather? The coolant light glowing blue when you start your car is a warning that the engine isn’t yet up to its optimal running temperature—so don’t push the engine hard. Doing that when the engine is cold can reduce the longevity of the car’s engine.

What does it mean when my coolant light comes on for just a few minutes and then goes away once I start driving?

The indicator is telling you that the fluid level is below the sensor, however, once you start driving and the engine heats up, the light should go off. If your coolant light stays on even after driving for a few minutes, then it’s time to check your coolant levels and the coolant sensor.

Is it OK to drive with low coolant?

The coolant is important in cooling the engine of your car. The fuel and air mixture produces a lot of heat which has to be dissipated. If this heat isn’t dissipated, it can lead to serious engine damage. It is not advisable to drive or run your car with low coolant because it can lead to damage to your engine.

Can I just add coolant to my car?

If your engine is cold, the coolant level should be up to the cold fill line. If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water.

How often should I put coolant in my car?

A typical mechanic will recommend changing coolant every 30,000 miles. But many will tell you, changing the coolant is not even on their radar. An owner’s manual might recommend changing the coolant/antifreeze after the first 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles.

How long should I wait to start my car after adding coolant?

Typically though it should be left to cool for 1-2 hours before it’s cooled sufficiently to open the rad cap safely. If you’re actually trying to check the coolant level then you probably need to wait more like 3-5 hours (as if the coolant is still warm it will show a falsely high reading due to expansion).

How can you tell if your car thermostat is bad?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermostat

1. Temperature gauge reading very high and engine overheating.
2. Temperature changing erratically.
3. Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.

Is it bad if I overfill my coolant?

Coolant expands as it heats and contracts when it cools. The extra space prevents damage to your engine and hoses. In worst case scenarios, overfilling your antifreeze tank can lead to electrical damage if overflow comes into contact with engine wiring.

Can too much coolant make car overheat?

Overheating: Too much Coolant Simply running antifreeze through your system alone can cause extremely high temperatures in your engine, resulting in overheating.