Heat stresses a car differently than cold does — tires run hotter, batteries and cooling systems work harder, and the cabin itself can become dangerous within minutes of the engine shutting off. This checklist covers the summer-specific prep worth doing before a long drive. For what to do while actually waiting in extreme heat, see the extreme weather guide — this list focuses on avoiding that wait in the first place, and being ready if it happens anyway.
If the temperature gauge climbs into the red or a warning light appears, pull over and stop the engine rather than continuing to your destination. Driving on an overheating engine is one of the fastest ways to turn a $49 roadside fix into an expensive repair.
Get the car off the road, hazards on, and out of direct sun if possible — under an overpass or near shade, without crossing traffic to get there. If the engine runs safely, use the AC; if not, get people and pets out of the sun rather than staying in a closed, parked car.
Request roadside help right away — jumpstarts, flat tires, and fuel delivery are $49 flat regardless of the heat, and you can track your provider's live arrival on the map, typically within 10–20 minutes, while you wait somewhere shaded.
This applies at a rest stop as much as during a breakdown — a parked cabin in summer sun heats up far faster than most people expect, even with windows cracked. If you need to step away from the vehicle while waiting for a provider, bring kids and pets with you.
Coolant level, tire pressure and tread, battery condition, and that the air conditioning is working — heat puts extra strain on all four.
No. Pull over and stop the engine once the gauge is in the red or a warning light appears. Continuing to drive risks turning a simple fix into a major repair.
Only with the AC running. If the engine isn't safe to run, get out of direct sun and into shade rather than staying in a closed, parked car, and never leave kids or pets inside it.