Temperature Warning Light On? What to Do
A red temperature light means your engine is overheating — act fast. A Cranbourne West specialist explains.
What it usually means
The temperature warning light (or a gauge climbing into the red) means the engine is running too hot. Causes include low coolant, a leak, a failed thermostat or water pump, a cooling-fan fault, or a blown head gasket.
Overheating can warp the head or blow the head gasket quickly — it’s a stop-soon warning.
What you should do
Pull over safely as soon as it’s safe, switch off and let it cool — don’t open a hot cap. Then have the cooling system checked before driving further.
See our overheating guide for the full rundown.
How we find & fix it
Because the same symptom can have several causes, we use dealer-level diagnostics and a methodical check to pinpoint the real cause — rather than throwing parts at it.
You get a clear explanation and a fixed written quote before any work. Book online in 60 seconds or call 03 8782 0711.
Temperature Warning Light On? What to Do — FAQ
The engine is overheating — low coolant, a leak, thermostat, water pump, fan fault or head gasket.
Pull over safely, switch off, let it cool, and get the cooling system checked before driving on.
Yes — quickly. A warped head or blown gasket can follow a single hot run.
We pressure-test the cooling system to pinpoint the leak or fault.
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Trusted Cranbourne West car specialists — RACV-accredited, fixed written pricing. Book online or call 03 8782 0711.