What should you do if your vehicle’s temperature light comes on?

When the vehicle’s temperature light comes on, it indicates that the engine is overheating, which can lead to severe damage if not addressed properly. The correct action is to safely pull over and turn off the engine. This step allows the engine to cool down and prevents potential overheating-related issues such as a blown head gasket or damaged engine components.

Maintaining a safe distance from traffic is important when pulling over, as it keeps you and your passengers safe from hazards. After turning off the engine, you should inspect the situation carefully, as continuing to drive with an overheating engine can lead to more significant problems.

Ignoring the warning light, speeding up, or simply turning on the heater do not effectively address the root cause of the overheating and could result in a more dangerous situation. Ignoring the warning puts you at risk for engine failure, while speeding up can worsen the overheating, and using the heater may provide temporary relief but does not solve the underlying issue.