A car overheats when the cooling system can't shed enough heat — usually low coolant, a stuck thermostat, failed water pump, blocked radiator, or a head gasket leak. Continuing to drive risks a £2,000+ head gasket repair or a scrapped engine. Pull over immediately, switch off, and call recovery.
Overheating is the one fault that goes from "annoying" to "engine wrecked" in under five minutes. Here's the order to act.
Can I drive a short distance if my car is overheating? — No. Even a few miles can warp the cylinder head and turn a £200 fix into a £2,000 one.
How do I top up coolant? — Engine cold only. Use the correct colour/spec coolant for your car (the wrong one corrodes the system). Top to MAX line. Check level daily until you find the leak.
Bob's Mechanical Repairs — independent family-run garage in Birnam, Dunkeld, Perthshire. Call 01350 727 276 or email bob@bobsmechanicalrepairs.co.uk.