What is the recommended action if engine overheating occurs while driving?

When an engine overheats while driving, the recommended action is to safely pull over and allow the engine to cool down. This is crucial because an overheated engine can lead to severe damage, including a blown head gasket or warped engine components. By pulling over and turning off the engine, you prevent further stress on the engine and allow it to return to a safer temperature.

It's important to avoid actions such as increasing speed to cool the engine down, as this can exacerbate the overheating issue and increase the risk of mechanical failure. Similarly, turning off the engine immediately when it overheats can be a reasonable initial thought, but it is more effective to first safely pull over to a secure location. Additionally, while driving quickly to a service station may seem like a solution, it compromises safety and could lead to further damage if the engine is already in distress.

Therefore, the safest and most prudent approach is to pull over in a safe location, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool.