If you are driving on the highway and your engine overheats, what is your best course of action?

When faced with an engine overheating while driving on the highway, pulling over and turning off the engine is the most advisable action. This response allows you to stop the vehicle in a safe manner, preventing further damage to the engine that can occur if you continue driving under such conditions. Overheating can lead to severe mechanical failures, and stopping the engine can help mitigate this risk by allowing it to cool down.

Turning off the engine also prevents potential hazards such as steam or smoke from causing panic or obstructing visibility on the road. This method prioritizes both vehicle safety and the safety of the driver and occupants.

While other actions like speeding up to reach a service station or keeping driving may seem practical, they carry significant risks of creating further damage or losing control of the vehicle. Activating the heater may provide temporary relief for the engine by drawing heat away, but it is not a sustainable long-term solution and does not address the need to stop and assess the situation.