What should you do if your vehicle begins to overheat?

If your vehicle begins to overheat, pulling over and allowing it to cool down is the appropriate action to take. This approach helps prevent further damage to the engine components that can occur due to excessive heat. When you stop the vehicle, you can safely monitor the temperature gauge and assess the situation without putting yourself at risk of mechanical failure while driving.

Letting the vehicle cool down can prevent the coolant from boiling over and can ensure that when you do check under the hood, the risk of burns from steam or hot parts is reduced. It’s also a good opportunity to investigate possible reasons for overheating, such as low coolant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a leaking radiator.

The alternative options do not effectively address the problem: turning off the engine immediately may prevent battery drain but doesn’t alleviate the overheating issue; pouring cold water directly on a hot engine can cause thermal shock that may crack engine components; and driving faster may exacerbate the issue by increasing engine load and temperature. Therefore, allowing the car to cool safely is the best course of action.