Copyright jalopnik
Coolant, which is typically an even mix of glycol and water, is a liquid that cycles between your car's engine and radiator to help regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Maintaining the appropriate coolant level is essential to your engine's performance and overall health, and it should be replaced at regular intervals. Your car has safeguards to alert you when you're running low on coolant or at risk of overheating — hence, the low coolant light. The exact appearance of the low coolant light depends on the vehicle and can come in several colors — for example, blue on some cars means your engine is at freezing point and needs to warm up, but the coolant level could be normal. A red coolant warning symbol is the one to worry about, as it means your engine is overheating and you should take action immediately. So, pull over, turn off your car, and wait for your engine to cool. Once it has cooled, you can check your coolant reservoir and add more coolant if needed (coolant has a pretty long shelf life, so getting your own bottle to keep handy is a good and reliable precaution). Before you resume driving, be sure to inspect for leaks around the reservoir or coolant on the ground. If you spot any, it's best to refrain from driving and contact a professional to prevent further damage. Promptly responding to the low coolant warning light can prevent stress on your engine and wallet, and give you peace of mind.
