Summer Car Safety Tips for Australian Drivers

Australian summers present unique challenges for drivers. With temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many regions and intense UV radiation year-round, proper preparation and awareness can mean the difference between a safe journey and a dangerous situation. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about summer car safety, from vehicle preparation to emergency procedures.

Whether you're commuting daily in the city or embarking on a road trip through remote areas, these tips will help you and your passengers stay safe during the hottest months of the year.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Summer

Before summer arrives in earnest, a thorough vehicle check can prevent breakdowns and ensure your car's systems can handle extreme heat.

Cooling System Inspection

Your car's cooling system works overtime during summer. Check coolant levels and condition—coolant should be at the proper level and appear clean, not murky or contaminated. If your coolant hasn't been changed in over two years, consider flushing the system and refilling with fresh coolant appropriate for Australian conditions.

Inspect radiator hoses for cracks, bulges, or soft spots that indicate wear. These components are under increased stress during hot weather and are common failure points. A burst hose on a remote road in summer heat can quickly become an emergency situation.

Air Conditioning Service

Functional air conditioning isn't just about comfort—it's a safety feature in extreme heat. Have your AC system inspected before summer. Signs of problems include weak airflow, unusual odours, or the system taking longer than usual to cool the cabin. Low refrigerant is a common issue that's easily addressed by a qualified technician.

Battery Check

Heat is actually harder on batteries than cold. High temperatures accelerate internal corrosion and can cause batteries to fail unexpectedly. Have your battery tested if it's more than two years old. Look for swelling of the battery case—a sign of heat damage—and clean any corrosion from terminals.

Tyre Condition

Hot roads put extra stress on tyres. Check tread depth (minimum 1.5mm in Australia) and look for signs of cracking or unusual wear. Maintain proper inflation—heat causes air to expand, so check pressures when tyres are cold. Under-inflated tyres generate additional heat through flexing, increasing blowout risk.

Safe Driving Practices

Timing Your Travel

When possible, avoid driving during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11 am and 3 pm. Early morning and late afternoon travel is not only more comfortable but reduces stress on your vehicle's systems. If you must drive during peak heat, plan for more frequent breaks.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration affects concentration and reaction time. Keep water in your vehicle at all times—not just for emergencies but for regular consumption during travel. Insulated bottles or a small cooler help keep drinks at drinkable temperatures in hot vehicles.

Monitor Temperature Gauges

Keep an eye on your temperature gauge, especially in traffic or when climbing hills. If the needle starts rising toward the red zone, take action immediately. Turn off the air conditioning (which puts load on the engine), turn on the heater at full blast (which helps dissipate engine heat), and find a safe place to stop.

Recognise Heat-Related Illness

Know the signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and passengers: heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, nausea, and headache. More severe heat stroke presents with hot, dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, and potential loss of consciousness. If you or a passenger shows these symptoms, stop immediately, seek shade, and call for help.

Parking Safely

Seek Shade

Whenever possible, park in shaded areas. Covered car parks, under trees, or in the shade of buildings can reduce interior temperatures significantly. Remember that sun position changes throughout the day—a spot that's shaded in the morning may be in full sun by afternoon.

Use Sun Protection

Deploy windscreen shades before leaving your vehicle. Combined with side window shades, comprehensive coverage can reduce interior temperatures by 20-30 degrees compared to an unprotected vehicle. This protects your interior from damage and makes the car safer and more comfortable when you return.

Never Leave Children or Pets

This cannot be emphasised enough: never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes, even with windows cracked. Vehicles heat up rapidly—on a 30°C day, interior temperatures can exceed 60°C within 10 minutes. This is a life-threatening situation that develops faster than most people realise.

Long Distance Summer Travel

Plan Your Route

Research your route before departing, particularly if travelling through remote areas. Know where fuel stations, rest stops, and towns are located. Have contingency plans for breakdowns—in some areas, you may be far from mobile coverage or assistance.

Inform Someone

Let someone know your intended route and expected arrival time. This is particularly important for remote travel where you might not have phone coverage. If you don't arrive as expected, they can alert authorities.

Carry Extra Supplies

For remote travel, carry more water, food, and fuel than you think you'll need. A breakdown or road closure could leave you stranded longer than anticipated. Sun protection gear, including a portable shade structure for roadside waits, provides vital protection if you're stuck.

Regular Rest Stops

Take breaks every two hours or 200 kilometres, whichever comes first. Use these stops to check your vehicle, stretch, hydrate, and assess whether you and your passengers are coping with the conditions. Fatigue combined with heat is a dangerous combination.

What to Do If Your Car Overheats

Despite best preparations, overheating can still occur. Here's the correct response:

1. Turn off the AC and turn the heater on full blast to draw heat from the engine
2. If temperature continues rising, pull over safely as soon as possible
3. Turn off the engine and open the bonnet (use the release inside the car—don't touch the hot bonnet itself)
4. Wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to check coolant levels
5. If coolant is low and you have spare, add it slowly to the reservoir (not the radiator when hot)
6. Call for assistance if you're unsure or the problem recurs

Driving an overheating vehicle causes severe engine damage. The cost and inconvenience of waiting for help is far less than the cost of a damaged engine.