If the engine temperature warning light comes on, you should

• A. Pull over safely, open the hood, and let the engine cool before checking anything
• B. Turn on the heater to reduce engine heat
• C. Continue driving slowly
• D. Ignore it

Answer: (A)

When the engine temperature warning light comes on, the engine is overheating and could be damaged if you keep driving. The best action is to pull over safely, turn off the engine, and let it cool before you inspect anything. Opening the hood after it has cooled helps you safely check for obvious problems like low coolant or leaks, but never crack the radiator cap while the engine is hot because the system is under pressure and you can be burned. If you find the coolant level is low or you see a leak, don’t continue driving—get help. If the coolant looks fine and the engine has cooled, you can restart and monitor the situation, but if the warning reappears, have the vehicle checked by a professional. Turning on the heater or continuing to drive slowly won’t reliably fix overheating and can still cause damage.