This is not applicable if the coolant warning light is blue. Check coolant levels when the engine is completely cold and top up if necessary. ![]() As the coolant heats up with the engine, it expands raising the level. When the engine coolant is cold, the coolant level sensor triggers the warning light. 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.
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