What are signs of overheating in the engine?

Signs of overheating in the engine include visible steam coming from the hood and a high temperature gauge reading. When an engine operates at excessively high temperatures, it can boil coolant, leading to steam. This steam may escape from under the hood, indicating a potential failure in the cooling system or an overworked engine. Additionally, a high temperature gauge reading is a direct indicator that the engine is not functioning within its ideal temperature range. Monitoring both of these signs is crucial for identifying overheating and taking preventive measures, such as stopping to allow the engine to cool, checking coolant levels, or examining for leaks.

While the other options may relate to engine performance, they do not specifically indicate overheating. For instance, engine noise and vibration can signify various mechanical issues, increased fuel consumption might indicate inefficient performance, and dark smoke from the exhaust usually points to fuel or oil burning improperly rather than directly suggesting an overheating issue.