Do you know how to drive safely in a heat wave?
The dog days of summer are arriving across the United States, and as it gets hotter, our vehicles do too. Just like driving in wintry conditions, driving in extreme heat poses its own unique set of challenges. From dead batteries to tire blowouts to soft tarmac, there’s a lot to be on the lookout for when the thermometer hits a record high.
That’s why now is a good time to refresh your knowledge of when you need to worry about car safety in high temperatures, what to look out for, and how to keep yourself safe.
Let’s start with the basics.
FAQs: Summer Car Safety
To lay a little groundwork and make sure we're all on the same page, let’s take a look at these frequently asked questions about driving in inclement heat.
Is it safe to drive in a heat wave?
Yes, broadly it is safe to get on the road in a heat wave, as long as you are prepared and understand the risks.
We’ll dive into the details in the next section, but you should:
avoid long drives
plan to stop frequently
have an emergency kit in your car in case anything goes wrong, and
keep a close eye on your engine temperature
However, if you follow all the tips in the guide, there is no reason you can’t drive in hot weather by exercising caution and good sense.
What temperature is too hot to drive a car?
There is no single temperature at which it becomes definitively unsafe to turn on a car, but avoiding driving in unusually high heat is generally good practice, if you have the option.
The outside temperature is less important than your engine temperature and the temperature inside your car.
If your engine reaches over 220° F, the various fluids that allow your car to run could start burning up – this is where things start to get dangerous.
Similarly, the human body needs certain conditions to function properly. Depending on the humidity, temperatures can become dangerous between 95 and 130° F – but you don’t want to risk being at the top of what your body can handle for any length of time.
That means, if your car doesn’t have good cooling or if it’s hot enough that you can’t use the AC because your engine is in trouble, you want to avoid being in the car for any length of time. Instead, try to drive early or late in the day when temperatures are lower and keep your car cool.
How do you protect your car in 100 degree weather?
The best things you can do are park in the shade (or out of the sun), use a sunshade to keep the sun from heating up your car’s interior (or consider getting a car cover if you live somewhere likely to get many days of extreme heat and don’t have a garage at home), and make sure you get your car fully checked over ahead of extreme heat weather to ensure you have enough coolant and fluids, your tire pressure isn’t too high or low, your air conditioner is running smoothly, and your battery’s in good shape.
A fresh wax and an oil change can also help protect your vehicle from deteriorating due to extreme heat.
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Safety Tips For Driving in a Heat Wave
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of car safety in extreme heat.
When driving in very hot temperatures, you should…
1. Keep an Eye on Your Vehicle’s Fluids, Engine Heat & Tire Pressure
The most dangerous thing that can happen when temperatures get too high is your vehicle overheating – your battery, tires, and engine are at highest risk of this, and anything with a fluid can have issues if your vehicle’s systems get too hot.
In an emergency situation, especially if you see steam or smoke coming out of any part of the vehicle, pull over right away.
If you’re concerned or if your vehicle’s engine heat warning light comes on, turn your heat on until you can find a place to pull over. It might feel counterintuitive, but will pull heat away from your engine.
You can and should have your vehicle checked ahead of the hottest part of the summer to ensure all the systems and fluids are in top working order to avoid any issues.
Avoiding long drives in the hottest part of the day can also help you keep any part of your car from reaching dangerous temperatures. Ideally, you don’t want to drive more than two hours at a time on days with extreme heat.
Think of it like driving in a snowstorm – just because it’s not visibly coming down on you, it’s no less dangerous to be on the road in high heat.
2. Carry Water & Emergency Supplies
An emergency kit is a must for every car, and having one tailored to the heat for summer is essential in a heat wave. There are pre-made kits for heat exhaustion and high temperatures, or you can put together your own.
Your kit should always, year-round, include car safety kit essentials like:
Jumper cables
Tire repair & replacement kit
Spare tire
First aid kit
Paper map
Light, non-perishable snacks and drinks
Flares or reflective triangles
Spare phone charger
In the summer, you want to think about the unique challenges of a hot sunny day and add items to help prepare for that, like:
Sunscreen
Hat
Bug spray
Lightweight blankets or other materials to protect you from the sun
Reflective sunshade for your windshield
Misting fan, cooling towels, cold compress, or cooling patches
A thermometer in case of heat exhaustion
Always, always, pack lots of water and electrolyte fluids or powders to avoid dehydration.And remember – never leave a pet or child alone in a hot car.
3. Park Smart
A simple but effective way to keep yourself and your car at a reasonable temperature is to avoid parking in the sun. Take any chance you can to park in the shade, in a garage, or in a covered parking lot – when you start with a lower car temperature, it’s easier to maintain.
We’ve mentioned a sunshade a couple times in this guide, but here’s one more plug to pick one up – they can be an effective way to keep the interior of your car cool, and there are relatively inexpensive universal and model-specific models that fold up neatly into the back of your car.
Car covers can be more of a hassle to get on and off, but can be a big help if you don’t have a better parking option and will regularly need to park your vehicle in the sun during hot days.
4. Avoid The Hottest Parts of the Day
If you must drive during a heat wave, driving in the morning or evening when the air is a few degrees cooler is a smart move. Try not to run errands at high noon if they’re something you could do at night instead.
And, again, if you must be on the road in the heat, make the trips short and stop frequently. Plan smart. Summer’s not the best time to take a road trip through the Mojave desert (but a great time for a road trip up the Northeast coast!).
5. Keep An Eye on The Road
One final danger to think about is the road during very high heat days. When temperatures rise, tarmac can soften, potholes can open up, and other drivers can be more prone to overheating and vehicular issues. Make sure that, even on familiar roads, you’re paying attention to the terrain and the cars around you to keep yourself safe.
As the driver of your vehicle, you are an essential part of everything working correctly. Being too hot or dehydrated can lead to confusion, illness, and exhaustion, so make sure you take care of yourself as well as the car.
Now You Know How To Take Care of Your Car In Summer
Extreme heat has become a staple of summers in the US. Make sure you’re ready for anything the next time a heat wave hits.
Remember these key points:
Use every tool you can to keep your car cool when you’re not driving
Avoid the hottest part of the day and long driving stints
Carry emergency supplies, and especially water
Get your vehicle fully checked to avoid the worst
Pull over as soon as possible if you see steam, smoke, or an engine heat warning light
Remember that heat affects the road and other drivers as well as you and your vehicle
Take care of yourself and avoid unnecessary risks
Follow these tips to keep your vehicle in tip top shape on even the hottest days and you should be able to drive smart and safe all summer long.
And one more tip? Refinance with Auto Approve and save on your monthly auto loan payment!
Summer means high heat, but it also means vacation and fun in the sun. Refinance to put more of your money back in your wallet for the things that matter most to you.
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