Blue coolant light, among other dashboard lights, flashes at one time or another. Each icon presents a specific issue; some are more serious than others.
Knowing the meaning and reason cause these icons to illuminate prevents costly damages. If you’re pondering the blue light on the dash, we have all the information you need.
Let’s get started!
What Does The Blue Coolant Light Mean?
Blue coolant light or coolant temperature low indicator light indicates that the temperature of your car coolant is at a low level.
Normally, in normal weather conditions with a normal driving style, the indicator is on for one to two minutes after you start the ignition and goes off by itself.
If it’s still after startup, you have a reason to worry about it.
Now you know: What does the blue temperature light mean? So what is the cause?
The indicated illumination condition can be because of the cold engine (sometimes making your car unable to start), damaged thermostat or antifreeze leakage.
No matter what the cause of the problem is, you’d better calm down and monitor your driving properly.
If it keeps happening, don’t ignore the blue engine coolant temperature but bring your car to the nearest auto repair shop.
Why Does This Dashboard Illumination Appear?
Cold Engine
The first reason the blue engine light appears on the center display screen is the cold engine, meaning it’s not really at its operational driving temperature.
The cold engine cools down the temperature of the fluid in your car radiator.
Coolant or antifreeze is in charge of keeping the water in the radiator from boiling over in hot weather and freezing in cold temperatures. It’s also a good lubricant for other parts, such as the water pump.
The fluid tends to be cold when you just switch on your vehicle, especially on chilly winter mornings.
A blue coolant light comes on when the car starts, and the antifreeze will warm up as it operates. The sign goes off if there’s nothing wrong while reaching the normal operating temperature.
If the antifreeze is too cold to complete its job, and the signal persists for over a couple of minutes of driving, it may be time to check the liquid in the radiator and your engine to figure out what exactly is happening to your car.
Broken Thermostat
Blue engine temperature warning lights may happen due to a broken thermostat.
This vital component is actually in the cooling system, which manages the fluid before and after being recirculated.
One way to check the thermostat function is to maximize the heater. If the air is warm but not hot as it is supposed to be, it may be time for a diagnosis and replacement.
Leak Coolant
It prompts a warning when the blue water light in the car keeps being bright for more than a reasonable period but not due to the faulty thermostat.
You may want to think of the leak of antifreeze as a reason.
Any leakage in the fuel tank leads to low antifreeze levels. You may also smell antifreeze, but no leak.
Having the system inspected by a professional service is highly recommended to avoid severe engine damage.
What To Do If Your Blue Temperature Indicator Is On?
Apply Proper Driving Style
When you see the engine coolant light blue, you shouldn’t push too hard on your engine since it is not warm enough.
You will have trouble with high engine loads and revving since the oil viscosity is unsuitable.
Increase the vehicle speed gradually and minimize acceleration to prevent your car from wear and tear and have safe driving.
Give the engine coolant temperature light some time to disappear from the screen content. Keep in mind that it needs more time to turn off in the cold weather as the coolant warms up slower.
Pay attention to it and ensure it goes off in a timely fashion. Otherwise, you may need more diagnosis.
Check The Coolant
The second thing you can do in this situation is to check the liquid inside the radiator. Use a digital temperature gauge to measure the direct temperature reading.
Always do it when your vehicle is cold to have an accurate reading, as this fluid expands if the radiator is hot.
Plus, the coolant tank also is under high pressure. If you open the cap when the engine is hot, it may spray the hot water on you, causing danger.
Once you see the fluid level, make sure it is within the level warning indication.
If it’s lower than the minimum line, put a mix of coolant and water with a 1:1 portion in the tank, but don’t pour it too much over the maximum line.
Think of leakage as a cause for your coolant level to drop. You can detect it by yourself or with the services’ assistance.
Have A Professional Diagnosis
When you’re concerned about the engine temperature warning light blue, bring your vehicle to the local garage for more inspection.
They know what to do, how to inspect your vehicle and suggest an effective solution.
You’d better not wait until the engine oil replacement period but do it as soon as possible before the situation gets worse and costly pay is unavoidable.
Can You Drive With The Blue Coolant Light On?
No. You shouldn’t ignore the blue engine temperature warning light or other flashing icons. As mentioned above, on cold winter days, it takes a longer time to disappear.
However, when you see it’s continuously on, you’re likely facing bigger issues than you thought.
If you don’t know what to do and the problem happens for a period of time, pull over and call for help from certified mechanics.
Conclusion
Blue coolant light illuminates means that it’s time to pay attention to your car’s coolant as its temperature is low. Keep in mind that the cold of winter makes the cold engine indicator last longer.
Finding the root cause helps you to figure out why the antifreeze can’t work perfectly and have an appropriate solution. You should not panic but apply a proper driving style.
If you have some basic knowledge, you can try to address the problem yourself. However, remember safety comes first and follow all the precautions carefully.
If you’re unsure what to do, seeking help from a reliable service advisor solves the issue.