Imagine a beautiful, sunshiny day, and you hear the open road calling your name. You’ve cued your favorite playlist, filled your travel mug, and topped off the tank. But what if that perfect day takes an unexpected turn? A sudden blizzard, flash flood, or even fender-bender can quickly turn a relaxing drive into something far more stressful.
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While we can’t predict every bump in the road, we can prepare for them. Sure, we think of our cars as our primary mode of transportation, but they can also provide shelter and deserve consideration as part of an emergency plan. Keeping the right supplies in the trunk, plus a little know-how, can make all the difference — and turn a potential crisis into a more manageable inconvenience.
Let’s talk about how you can prep your car for potentially dangerous situations, especially if you’re on the road when severe weather might hit, whether a snow squall, sudden deluge, or unrelenting heat wave.
Planning to prep for the worst-case scenario
Duane “Doc” Watson, a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket, said the single most common mistake he sees people make: Zero preparation for disasters or breakdowns. “Most people assume that if we break down, help will arrive quickly, especially if we live in a city or suburban area. But in reality? Anything can happen anywhere.”
Live in an area prone to natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, or blizzards? You probably already know how quickly those situations escalate. If you must evacuate quickly, there may not be time to pack your car; keep some essentials ready year-round.
The difference between a “disaster preparedness kit” and a well-maintained vehicle
Watson says disaster preparedness kits and well-maintained vehicles complement each other. A disaster preparedness kit is intended to keep car occupants safe in the event of an emergency like an accident, disaster, or unexpected repair. This kit should include:
- Flashlights
- Water
- Non-perishable foods
- Blankets
- Chargers
- A first-aid kit
And aside from the obvious spare tire (or donut) and jack, including jumper cables and basic tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches doesn’t hurt. “You can also store some vehicle liquids for emergency top-offs,” said Watson, “like oil and antifreeze. If you keep brake fluid in the car, make sure it’s a new, unopened bottle, as brake fluid likes to absorb water once the container is opened.”
Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance helps ensure your vehicle’s reliability and can help prevent potential breakdowns in regular and extreme conditions. Those tasks include:
- Regular oil changes
- Tire rotations
- Tire replacements when the tread wears out
- Battery replacement when it ages
- Wipers, lights, and brake replacements as they wear out
Practical advice for specific scenarios
Extreme weather can create a major stress test for your vehicle.
Wintertime
In the bitter cold, you might encounter dead car batteries, frozen fuel lines, and a drop in tire pressure, said Watson. As we head into the colder months, he recommends testing your battery and carrying jumper cables or a jump starter in your trunk. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent the liquid from freezing, and watch your tire pressure, adding air if it gets too low or the tire pressure light comes on.
Live or travel in areas that experience regular whiteouts or blizzards? Check your wiper blades before the season starts to confirm they’re working properly and equipped to handle snow and ice. Keep a windshield scraper and extra windshield washing fluid specially formulated for cold winters in your car. Visibility is key for driving safely in blizzards and snow squalls. Ice build-up can quickly become a safety hazard.
Dead battery? No problem! The most reliable way to jump-start a dead car in the winter requires jumper cables. To make sure you’ve enough power to jump-start your vehicle, thoroughly warm up the “donor” car, said Watson. Charge your car for at least five minutes before turning the key in its ignition. Before starting your car, turn off the donor car to prevent a power surge from its alternator, which could damage sensitive electrical components.
A pro tip for keeping your car running in sub-zero temperatures: Watson said it’s normal for people to idle their cars for a period to warm the engine, but the whole fuel system needs warming. Turn the key in the ignition just until the dashboard lights come on, and turn it off again. Do this step several times before turning the key all the way to start the engine. This method primes the fuel lines so the car fires up more readily.
Flooding and high water
A puddle splashes your tires. High water, however, will reach the bottom of your doors or bumper. Flooding can ruin cars, especially if water gets into your engine, wiring, or brakes, which can cause catastrophic damage, said Watson. A good rule of thumb? If you can’t see the road markings through the water, find a different route. But if flood waters reach your car’s cabin or engine, have it inspected before you turn it on.
“The most damaging thing that happens when a car becomes waterlogged is ‘hydrolock,’” said Watson. This condition occurs when water enters the engine cylinders and prevents the pistons from moving up and down, which can instantly damage or break engine components, including the connecting rods.
If you’re in a car and the water is rising around you, get out early. Once the water reaches the doors, the pressure makes it harder to open them. As little as one foot of water can sweep away a car, so don’t hesitate to leave it and move to higher ground, said Watson.
Heat waves and extreme heat
The biggest danger with higher temperatures is overheating, which can lead to engine failure, tire blowouts, and battery failure. Be proactive by monitoring your car’s coolant levels regularly and adding more when it drops, said Watson. Keep an eye on cracks and wear on your radiator and hoses, too.
“Believe it or not, battery failure is the most common problem,” said Watson, “although cooling system failures are common, too.” Heat accelerates internal corrosion within your battery and can shorten its lifespan considerably. Tires are particularly susceptible to damage from high temperatures. Think about how hot the pavement gets from the sun’s rays. Combine that heat with old or underinflated tires, and you could potentially experience a blowout once you’re moving again.
A proactive approach before summer starts is the best way to avoid problems. Fresh wiper blades for visibility, healthy brake pads for better control on rainy roadways, and new air filters to optimize your car’s engine performance are all important. Check your battery, charging and cooling systems’ components, or ask a tech to look at them when you get an oil change.
Always make sure your engine oil is fresh, replacing it according to your vehicle’s make and model. This oil helps engines stay cool; running old oil in extreme heat can damage your car. Ask the tech to clean the front of your AC condenser and radiator of debris like bugs, leaves, and dirt that can block airflow. And park in the shade whenever you can, which also protects what’s under the hood, said Watson.
The human element and safety
If your car breaks down, take a deep breath and stay calm. Confirm you and your passengers are physically okay. Determine whether it’s safer to leave your car or stay inside. “Panic leads to dangerous mistakes,” said Watson. “Turn on your hazard lights, call for help, and try to conserve your phone battery. Let the emergency responder coach you through your situation.”
Pull off the road as far as you can. One of the biggest dangers in roadside breakdowns and accidents? Traffic keeps moving around you.
Key takeaways
- Everyone should learn the basic maintenance for their vehicle. Learn how to open its hood. Know where your spare and jack are. Know how to check fluid levels. Flip through the owner’s manual before you need it. Taking 10 minutes to familiarize yourself with this information can save you hours in an emergency.
- “Don’t wait for something to break,” said Watson. “Cars rarely fail without warning. Usually, there’s a drip, a sound, a feeling, or even a smell. Be perceptive about those signs — and more importantly, be proactive about fixing those issues before they escalate. This strategy should save you money over your car’s lifespan and potentially save you from an emergency.”
- There’s a common misconception that modern cars don’t need as much maintenance because they’re so much smarter, said Watson. But while technology helps, cars are still made of metal and rubber — and they crack and warp over time.
Preventive maintenance isn’t old-fashioned. It’s how you ensure you keep everything working for when you need it the most.
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