Cooling systems that haven’t been well maintained and serviced or have leaks, even minor ones, are likely to buckle and crack under the added pressure leading to overheats.

Check coolant levels regularly (your vehicle owner’s manual will explain how) and have any coolant loss checked immediately and repaired as necessary.

Always monitor the temperature gauge or warning light when driving.

If you are unlucky enough to have an engine overheat, then pull over in a safe place as soon as any signs of overheating are noted and switch off the engine.

The extent of engine damage and repair costs can be greatly increased by continuing to drive, even for a very short distance.

Never remove the radiator cap from a hot engine – it’s very dangerous as you could get scalded.

Refilling a hot engine with cold water can cause major damage too, so let it cool fully.

This could take several hours.

The cause of the overheat and any damage must be found and fixed.

Just adding water won’t fix the problem.

Damage may not become apparent for days, weeks or even months after the overheat. And the full extent of damage may not be clear until the engine is dismantled for inspection.

So, sail through summer and avoid the frustration of an overheat and very likely costly engine damage, by making sure your car’s cooling system is in top condition.

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