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Engine Overheating: What to Do (and What Never to Do)
An overheating engine can cause serious, expensive damage in minutes if you keep driving. Here's the right response.
The symptom
Temperature gauge climbing into the red zone, sometimes with steam from the bonnet.
What's causing it
Usually low coolant, a failing thermostat, a blocked radiator, or a cooling fan that has stopped working.
What to do
Pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Never open a hot radiator cap — pressurized hot coolant can cause serious burns. Milky oil or repeated overheating points to a head gasket issue and needs a specialist.
See the coolant system guide in the GetAutoSure app once it has cooled down.