Hot Weather

When driving in hot weather, keep an eye on the warning lights and gauges, especially the temperature gauge.

If the temperature gauge moves up to just below the red zone, turn off your air conditioner and turn on your vehicle's heater to its highest and hottest setting to help draw some of the heat away from the engine; immediately seek out a service station with a mechanic or pull over safely and contact a road service organization that assists drivers.

If your temperature gauge is elevated and rising, and you are stopped in traffic, briefly 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, and stop the engine.

Wait 20 minutes, start up the engine, and if the temperature light comes on, proceed directly to the nearest garage with a mechanic. If at any time the gauge goes back into the red zone or the temperature light comes on, pull over immediately, turn off the engine and repeat the wait process.

Never attempt to remove the radiator cap when your car is hot, and do not pour water over a hot radiator or engine. You must wait a sufficient amount of time until your engine cools.

Even when parked in a parking lot, warm weather can pose dangers. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car in warm weather. Even an outside temperature in the 80s can quickly bring a car interior to well over 140 degrees.