Well, if you’ve got your air conditioning cranked up to max, that is. But summer driving can really take a toll, not only on your car, but on you. With summer and the accompanying high temperatures fast approaching, now is a great time to take a quick refresher course on how to stay safe in your car in the heat.

Before heading out

• Basic check: Be sure all of your liquids – radiator coolant, windshield washer fluid, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc. – are filled to capacity, and that your tires are properly inflated.
• Car repair kit: Keep an emergency kit in the car with spare belts, hoses, canned tire inflater, etc.
• Human repair kit: Keep an emergency kit in the car with extra bottled water, wet wipes, non-perishable snacks.
• Basic first aid box: Band-aids, aspirin, antiseptic scrubs, etc.; you can buy a box ready made from most any pharmacy or create your own depending upon your individual needs.

While driving

• Relax: Everyone is hot, tired and cranky, and emotions can flare up quickly. Keep cool, physically and mentally.
• Watch the numbers: Keep an eye on your idiot lights and gauges. If you spot your engine temperature creeping up, turn your A/C off, and turn on the heat (yes, turn on the heat); the engine’s heat will be disbursed into the car’s interior, so keep your windows open, but your engine will cool down quickly.
• Watch the colors: If your red engine light comes on, just pull over to a safe spot and park. Open the hood and let the engine cool down. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN UP THE RADIATOR CAP!!! If you cannot find a safe place to pull over, pull the hood release lever which will unlock the hood slightly and allow air to circulate around the engine as you drive. Don’t attempt this if your hood flies open on its own; this will only work if you have to physically hoist up the hood and lock it into place.
• Carry a charged cell phone that you can use in an emergency, when you’re pulled off the side of the road.
• Never ever ever leave a living creature in your parked car.