What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down in High Heat

Breaking down on the road is bad enough on a regular day, but when the Australian sun is beating down particularly hard, the experience can be even worse. Whether you're alone or you have others with you, this can be a very stressful and unpleasant situation. However, if you know what to do, you and your passengers can remain calm while you sort the problem out.

Call the Towing Company

Once you've made sure you're in a safe location with your hazard lights on, the first thing you need to do is call a reputable towing company. A good towing company will be friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. For peace of mind, ask them some questions to gauge whether they're a safe choice. You can ask them the expected price (make sure you give them your exact location plus the exact location you want to be towed to), what payment methods they accept, whether they'll accept your insurance, and what tow truck they'll be using. A good company will be able to answer those questions and any others you have with ease. Never attempt to fix your vehicle yourself. Even if you're usually good with mechanics, one wrong move could cause serious injury to yourself and others or serious damage to your car.

Wait in the Shade

The wait for a tow truck can feel long enough without the hot sun beating down on your skin. If possible, pull over into a shaded area before you call the towing service. If you're not able to pull into a shaded area but you want to remain waiting in your car, try to block some of the hot sun out of the vehicle by shielding the sunlight-facing windows. Window shades are ideal, but hanging a jacket over the window or windshield can work in a pinch. You can sandwich the jacket between a window and the window frame, or hang one between your car ceiling and your pull-down mirrors to cover the windshield. Of course, if your car is in direct sunlight, it's better to find a shady place to wait (such as under a tree or at a nearby location). Just make sure it's safe to do so beforehand by checking for oncoming traffic and making sure there are enough people around to make an attack unlikely.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important at all times, but it can be especially important when you're going to be stranded for a period of time. You should always keep water in your car, just in case you break down in a remote area. If you don't have any water and it's safe to leave your car, try to find a nearby shop or petrol station. If you have to leave a pet in your car, make sure the windows are rolled down slightly. Remember that young children and babies can dehydrate very quickly in hot cars. If you're unable to remove your little one from the enclosed environment, call someone you know who can pick them up and look after them for a while. Get in touch with emergency medical services if you or any passengers show signs of dehydration, such as dry and sticky mouth or headache and tiredness.