9 Tips for Driving on Extremely Hot Days in New Mexico

New Mexico Heat Waves

New Mexicans are no strangers to hot weather, and with this summer’s heat waves throughout the state, it can be difficult to know exactly how to prepare for driving in extreme heat. While many don’t think of heat waves or excessive heat as an adverse weather condition for driving, it can be incredibly dangerous, if you aren’t prepared. Heat can cause your battery fluid to evaporate, leaving you stranded. It can also lead to tire blowouts and overheated engines. Here are nine tips for driving on extremely hot days in New Mexico.

In The Article

1. Have Your Car Inspected

If you’re expecting a heatwave or you plan on driving through the desert, bring your car to a mechanic and have it inspected. Most mechanics will do this for free or at a low price, and whatever the cost, it would most likely be less than what you would have to pay if your car suffered a major malfunction due to heat.

While at the mechanic, have them look at:

• Tire pressure
• Your oil
• Your battery
• Your coolant
• Wiper fluid

Ensuring that your car is ready for extreme heat can help you avoid costly disasters on the roads.

2. Top Off Your Fluids

Make sure your car has enough oil, coolant, and wiper fluid. Extreme heat, especially New Mexico desert heat, can evaporate liquids quickly, and having them all topped off can help you ensure that your car is safer when you’re on the road.

3. How to Purge Heat from Your Car’s Interior

Whether you live in the desert or you’re traveling in excessive heat, you know that getting into your car on an extremely hot day can be like sitting in a hot oven. To avoid getting a heat related illness, be sure to purge the heat out of your car. This basically means blowing the hot air out and replace it with cooler air from your car’s air conditioning system. There are a few simple steps to do this quickly and efficiently.

1. Roll down all the windows in your vehicle.
2. Open and close the driver’s side door quickly, as though you’re fanning out the cabin of your car.
3. Start your car and turn on the air conditioning (do not use the “circulate” function at this time)
4. Drive with all windows open for 30 seconds to 1 minute with your air conditioning blowing toward your feet. This will push the hot air up and out of the windows.

After about a minute of driving with your windows open and your A/C running, roll all your windows up and turn on the circulation in your vehicle’s ventilation system.

4. When To Use Recirculationin Your Car

If you use the circulation function in your vehicle’s ventilation system, be sure the air in the cabin is already cool. Circulating hot air will take your car much longer to cool down. If you get into a hot car, be sure to start with the direct fan. Once your car is cooled down, use the circulation function.

If your drive starts in the cool morning hours, and it gets warmer and warmer throughout your drive, use the circulation function early on, while your fan is at a lower speed. This will keep your car cool throughout your journey.

5. Watch Your Car’s Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge on your dashboard is a great warning system for if your engine is overheating. It monitors the temperature of the coolant in the engine. If the coolant gets too hot, it means your engine is overheating. If your engine overheats, the oil will start to break down. This can lead to expensive issues, including damage to your head gasket seal, and the car breaking down.

6. If Your Car Overheats

If your temperature gauge starts to reach dangerous levels, turn the heat on at the highest fan setting, open your windows, so you don’t overheat your body, and find the nearest, safest place to stop to allow your car to cool down. Preferably at a mechanic or an auto parts store, so you can refill your coolant and check for damage.

7. Have an Emergency Bag Ready in Your car

Before you leave on your trip, be sure to pack an emergency bag that helps specifically with high-temperature situations. This should include:

• Personal misting fans for all passengers
• Electrolyte packages for all passengers
• Instant cold packs to apply to the armpits, neck and groin for all passengers
• Cooling towels
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight, light-colored clothing and hats
• Backup batteries
• Sunshades and umbrellas to block the sun inside and outside your vehicle
• Water

8. Always Travel with Water

Always travel with water, even if there aren’t excessive heat warnings. However, in the case of driving in extremely hot temperatures, be sure to bring extra water. A good rule to live by is that you should have at least one gallon of drinkable water in your car per passenger. This can ensure passengers stay hydrated in case of a breakdown and throughout the trip.

9. If Your Car Breaks Down

If your car breaks down in excessive heat, and you are unable to get to a safe location or shelter immediately from where you are at, call 911 immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke can appear as quickly as 10 minutes, according to Health Partners. If you are in the desert, it can take hours for help to come, and it’s important to contact emergency services as soon as possible to avoid heat-related illnesses. If you’re in a national or state park, call 911 and the park ranger’s office. Even if it takes them a long time to arrive, they will arrive with cooling equipment to help you avoid heat stroke.

If your car is still running, turn on the air conditioner and cool down the car. If the car isn’t running, exit the vehicle and seek shelter under a tree or in shade. If there is no shade around you, empty the truck of your vehicle, keep it open, and use it as shade. Create a makeshift tent by using a blanket and poles. If you have umbrellas in the car, make sure all passengers have theirs and use them.

For those stranded, very far from shelter, it’s important to avoid attempting to walk to find help. However, if you are unable to contact emergency services, you may have to walk to find help. If this happens, make sure everyone is wearing light clothing and has their water, and drinks at least 8 ounces every 15-20 minutes. But never drink more than 48 ounces in one hour.

Always take your emergency bag with you, if you must walk to find help while stranded in the desert.

When it comes to staying safe in extreme heat, most people don’t think about staying safe while driving through New Mexico, but it’s important to think about these things before starting your journey.