What should you do if your engine starts to overheat?

If your engine starts to overheat, the best course of action is to pull over safely, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool. This approach minimizes the risk of severe damage to your engine, as continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can lead to catastrophic failure, such as a blown gasket or warped cylinder heads.

Stopping the vehicle allows you to prevent further complications and gives you time to assess the situation safely. It’s important not to attempt to open the radiator cap immediately because the cooling system is pressurized and can cause burns. Instead, waiting until the engine has cooled down helps to avoid injury and allows you to check the coolant level or have a professional assess the problem without the risks associated with an actively overheating engine.

In contrast, options like turning up the heater or speeding up can delay addressing the underlying issue and could exacerbate the problem. Seeking service while continuing to drive may compromise your safety and damage your vehicle further.