If your vehicle begins to overheat while climbing a hill, what should you do?

When your vehicle begins to overheat while climbing a hill, turning on the heater is a practical step to help cool down the engine. This action redirects hot air from the engine into the cabin, which can assist in dissipating some of the engine heat. By utilizing the heater, you are helping to reduce the overall temperature of the engine and prevent potential damage.

The choice to turn off the air conditioning might also seem logical since the AC can add extra strain on the engine, but it may not have the same immediate cooling effect that turning on the heater does. Pulling over and waiting may not address the immediate issue of overheating. While stopping could potentially prevent further damage, it doesn't actively help in cooling the engine in the moment. Checking the oil is important for overall vehicle maintenance, but it does not directly relate to addressing the overheating issue while driving up a hill.