A temperature gauge creeping into the red, or steam from under the bonnet, is your engine crying for help. Keep driving and you risk a repair bill in the thousands. Here’s what to do.
Do this straight away
- Pull over safely as soon as you can and switch off the engine.
- Do not open the coolant cap while it’s hot — the system is pressurised and scalding coolant can spray out. Let it cool for a good while first.
- Pop the bonnet (once safe) to help heat escape, and wait.
Don’t try to “nurse it home”
Driving on an overheating engine can warp the head, blow the head gasket or seize it completely — turning a cheap fix into a new engine. If it won’t cool, or the warning light stays on, that short drive isn’t worth the risk.
When to call for recovery
If you’re low or out of coolant, the gauge won’t come down, or you simply can’t continue safely, get it recovered rather than gambling with the engine. We’ll take it to your garage or home, 24/7.
Overheating and stuck? Call 07301 118118 — 24/7, nationwide.