Red · Stop safely
Engine temperature / overheating warning light — what it means
Coolant is too hot or level is critically low. On most UK cars this shows as a red tell-tale. Urgency: Stop safely. Symbols vary by brand — confirm the exact icon in your handbook.
Also called: thermometer, temperature, overheat
What it means
Coolant is too hot or level is critically low.
What to do first: Stop when safe, let it cool fully before opening the cap. Top up only with correct coolant if you know how — otherwise recover.
Common causes
- A genuine engine temperature / overheating system fault
- A failed sensor or switch reporting a false warning
- Low voltage after a weak 12V battery (can set multiple lamps)
- Recent work (battery change, wheels, sensors) that needs a reset or calibration
Step-by-step
- 1Stop when safe, let it cool fully before opening the cap. Top up only with correct coolant if you know how — otherwise recover.
- 2Photograph the light and any message-centre text for the garage or breakdown operator.
- 3Note whether the car feels normal — power loss, smoke, smells or strange noises change the priority.
- 4Avoid clearing codes repeatedly without fixing the cause; the fault will return and can fail an MOT.
MOT note
Safety and emissions warning lamps that stay on are commonly checked at MOT — fix before the test if required.
FAQs
- What does the Engine temperature / overheating warning light mean?
- Coolant is too hot or level is critically low. Stop when safe, let it cool fully before opening the cap. Top up only with correct coolant if you know how — otherwise recover.
- Can I drive with the Engine temperature / overheating light on?
- Treat this as stop when safe / recover unless the handbook clearly says otherwise for your exact symbol.
Related
Other warning lights
Icons from Wikimedia Commons dashboard tell-tales / ISO 7000. Manufacturer artwork varies — your handbook wins.