What should you do when the temperature warning light comes on?

• A. Continue driving to the nearest exit
• B. Turn on the heater to cool the engine
• C. Pull over and stop in a safe place and call for help
• D. Ignore the warning and drive normally

Answer: (C)

When the temperature warning light comes on, your engine is overheating and needs immediate attention. The best action is to pull over and stop in a safe place and call for help. Turn off the engine to let it cool, and use hazards if you’re on a busy road. Do not drive farther, and don’t try to “cool” the engine with the heater—that won’t reliably prevent damage and could waste time. If you can safely do so after it has cooled, check for obvious issues like a low coolant level or leaks, but never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot. If you’re unable to address it yourself or the warning persists, wait for professional assistance.