Extreme Heat Ahead: Parked Cars Can Reach 145°F—What Drivers Should Know

Proactive vehicle maintenance is your best defense against a dangerous roadside breakdown.

Shutterstock photo.

With a dangerous holiday heat wave threatening 4th of July travelers, State Farm® is urging drivers to prep their vehicles for extreme thermal stress.

Cars face severe damage from intense summer heat. In fact, engineers at the State Farm® Vehicle Research Facility have measured vehicle interior air temperatures shattering 145°F, while dashboard surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can top 195°F.

Blistering summer rays also degrade exterior finishes and trigger catastrophic engine failures especially during long holiday drives. Whether you battle year-round heat or seasonal summer spikes, proactive vehicle maintenance is your best defense against a dangerous roadside breakdown.

Under the hood

• Cooling system. To help protect your engine from overheating, make sure it is in good working order. Check belts and antifreeze/coolant levels.
• Fluids, in general. The possibility of overheating greatly increases when fluid levels are below recommended levels. Regularly check motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid.
• Battery. High temperatures and high accessory loads (use of the vehicles air conditioning) can cause it to wear out and fail quicker. Have the vehicle's battery and complete charging system checked regularly by a professional mechanic.
• Air conditioning. If your car's interior temperature isn't cool enough, the refrigerant charge level in the air conditioning system may be low or there may be a more serious problem. Have it checked by a professional.

Car interior protection

• Park in the shade. It is the easiest form of protection. By avoiding direct sunlight, you'll help keep your dash from drying and cracking.
• Use a windshield sun protector. It's a way to keep your car cool and prevent sun damage.
• Install seat covers. They not only protect leather and fabric seats, but they also help keep them cool.

Roadside service – Road Service can help get you and your car into a safe location following a breakdown.

Also, be sure to never leave kids and pets in hot cars.

Tips for both car and home can be found here: Weatherproofing: How to Prepare for a Heat Wave - State Farm®