If the coolant light comes on when you start the car and goes out when you start driving, it usually means that the coolant level is a little low. If the coolant tank is empty, it’s advisable to have the cause (possibly a leak) rectified, have the system correctly sealed, filled with coolant and any trapped air released. The result of this is the engine may overheat even after adding coolant. If coolant levels are empty or extremely low, air can circulate and get trapped in the cooling system. In these circumstances, the cost of rebuilding the engine may equal or exceed the cost of a replacement (used) engine. Continuing to run the engine with an empty coolant tank means the engine has no means of cooling and will rapidly overheat and malfunction. If the coolant tank is empty, it’s usually an indication of a leak. Check coolant levels after allowing sufficient time for the engine to cool. If the engine coolant is boiling, pull off the road as quickly and safely as possible and immediately switch off the engine. If your coolant is boiling, engine damage may have already occurred, but acting quickly can be the difference between a usable engine and one that has suffered catastrophic damage and that is irreparable. If engine coolant starts to boil, steam will emit from the engine. Under these circumstances, it would not be advisable to continue your journey unless you can top it up. If there’s no remaining coolant in the expansion tank, then it’s difficult to assess how much remains in the system and the chances are, with that much loss of coolant, there could be a leak. Ensure you top up with coolant before your next journey. If there’s coolant in the tank, it’s at or just under the minimum mark and there’s no signs of a leak, you should be good to carry on as normal. It would be advisable to pull off the road, switch off the engine and check to see if there’s any coolant remaining in the expansion tank. Whether or not it’s safe to drive with low coolant depends on the circumstances. Saturated / clogged catalytic converter.Loose / broken serpentine belt / fan belt.Driving style / consistently high engine speeds.The engine coolant warning light comes on due to: If you have used normal tap or bottled water in your coolant tank, have the system drained and replaced with coolant as soon as possible. However, the correct use of engine coolant is essential as it raises the boiling point of the liquid, lowers the freezing point and provides corrosion inhibitors. Yes you can use normal water instead of coolant in an emergency. If coolant is leaking, it’s highly advisable to not continue your journey and arrange recovery. Check under the engine compartment for visible signs of a leak.Top up with engine coolant if necessary and ensure the coolant warning light has gone out before continuing your journey.Even after allowing time to cool, it’s advisable to use a cloth draped over the cap and very slowly opening it to allow the pressure to release first. The coolant system is pressurised and opening too soon may cause hot liquid and steam to gush out causing scolding. This may take 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size of your engine. DO NOT open the coolant reservoir cap until you have allowed sufficient time for it to cool.Coolant levels should fall between the MIN. If no steam is emitting from your engine compartment, open the bonnet and visually check the coolant reservoir tank level.If there is steam coming from under the bonnet / hood, wait until it subsides before opening it. At this point, the coolant fluid is going to be extremely hot.While taking traffic conditions into account, safely pull off the road and switch off the engine.This will transfer some heat away from the engine. Immediately turn on the heater at maximum temperature and maximum fan speed.
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