How to handle engine overheating in summer traffic

First moves when the gauge climbs

Switch the air conditioning off and the cabin heater to maximum — it pulls heat out of the coolant loop. If you are crawling in traffic, shift to neutral and raise the idle slightly to spin the water pump faster.

Never open a hot radiator cap

A hot cooling system is pressurised, and releasing it sprays scalding coolant. Wait until the engine is cool, then top up the expansion reservoir rather than the radiator itself.

“Once the temperature needle passes the red, every additional kilometre risks a warped head. That is a flatbed call, not a limp home.”

When to call a flatbed

Steam from under the hood, coolant on the ground, or a temperature reading that climbs straight back after cooling all mean the vehicle should be transported rather than driven.