July and August are some of the most heavily traveled times of the year. They’re also the months when temperatures are highest and heat can put a strain on you and your car. But, you can reduce the risk of breakdown and ensure a safe, comfortable trip by following a few simple precautions.

Before Hitting the Road

Before you head out on the road on a hot day, be sure you check out the basics for any drive, including:

• Oil
• Transmission fluid
• Windshield washer
• Battery strength
• Tire pressure (including the spare)
• Cooling system
• Belts and hoses
• Well equipped emergency kit and tool box

While on the Road

When driving in hot weather, it’s particularly important to keep an eye on the lights and gauges on your dashboard. If your temperature gauge moves up, turn off your air conditioner and turn on your vehicle’s heater to its highest and hottest setting. It will, no doubt, make you uncomfortable, but it will help draw some of the heat away from the engine.

If you are stopped in traffic, put the car in "park" and lightly step on the gas to help circulate coolant.

If the temperature light goes on or if the gauge enters the red zone, immediately pull off the road to a safe spot, well away from traffic. Do not drive any further — not even to the next exit. Driving with an overheated engine can cause tremendous damage to the engine.

Off the Side of the Road

Once safely off the road, turn off the car, put on your emergency flashers and carefully exit the car, preferably from the side away from traffic. If necessary, put out a reflector triangle or flare to alert passing vehicles of your presence.

Now you can begin to slowly cool the engine down. Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap itself. The pressurized coolant is extremely hot and will spray out with great force. Similarly, do not touch any parts of the engine while they are still hot. Do not pour water over the radiator or engine, since the dramatic change in temperature could cause damage.

Start by opening the hood and checking the radiator’s plastic reservoir to see if there is enough coolant. After the engine cools a bit, add a 50-50 mix of coolant and water to the reservoir to bring it up to its proper level. You may wish to contact the local highway patrol, police or auto club for service. Tying a cloth to the radio antenna or traffic-side door handle is a signal of a disabled car.

When Stopped

Even when not stranded due to a breakdown, summer heat can pose dangers. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car in summer heat. Even an outside temperature in the 80’s can quickly bring a car’s interior to well over 140°.

Try to park in shaded areas, use a sun shield over the windshield and cover the metal parts of seat restraints to keep them from becoming too hot.

And...

• Bring along a container of water
• Stop periodically to refresh yourself
• Take along moist towelettes
• Have a cell phone for emergency calls