Park in the shade
When your car is parked in the sun, the interior can become very warm. Try to look for parking spots in the shade, especially if you’re leaving your car there for a while.
When there aren’t any shady spots free, sunshades for your windscreen can be extremely helpful. Protect your dashboard and steering wheel by placing the sunshade over your windscreen. The reflective surface also reduces the temperature of your car.
Watch out for overheated seat belts
In summer, your seat belt buckle can be a potential safety hazard, especially if it’s spent the better half of the day in direct sunlight. When getting into the car, make sure you take extra caution when doing up your seat belt. If you have children, it might be safer to do up their belts for them.
Before you drive off into the sunset, check that your steering wheel hasn’t also been affected by the summer heat. It might be worth keeping a steering wheel cover in the car. That way if your steering wheel overheats, you can just pop it on and head off!
Pack the essentials
When it comes to keeping cool in the car, preparation is key! Whether it’s a quick trip to the supermarket or a long haul up north, pack lots of essentials to help you stay cool. Bring an esky on your trips and fill it with cold water bottles (frozen is best!) to stay hydrated. Toss in some cold towels to put on your head and neck and don’t be afraid to stop for cool snacks! Ice blocks, anyone?
Once you’ve ticked off your checklist, don’t forget to leave a little room for peace of mind. All levels of AAMI Car Insurance cover you or anyone you authorise to drive your car, for legal liability. This pays compensation for loss or damage caused by your car to another person’s car or property, up to $20 million. Exclusions apply, see your PDS for further details. We’ve got you covered against our brutal Aussie summers too. Fire and Theft Cover is a key feature of our Comprehensive Car Insurance, and if you’re a Third-Party policy holder, you can always add it on later.
Prep a car emergency kit
You should always keep an emergency kit in your car, even if you’re not planning a road trip. New to building one? Here’s a checklist.
Securely pack your car for road trips
Summer means going on fun family road trips! Wherever your destination, make sure your car is packed securely. A carefully packed car ensures objects don't move around and essentials, like food and water, are easily accessible. When taking a long road trip, make sure that you have plenty of water packed – an Esky in the backseat will keep your food and drinks nice and cool.
Hot tip! Keep your hats and sunscreen at the top of the pile. There’s nothing worse than stopping over to have some fun in the sun and having to unpack the entire car!
Don’t forget roadside assistance
If you’re heading out on a road trip (or if you simply use your car a lot), make sure you can get help if your car breaks down*! If you have an AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance policy, you can consider adding optional cover AAMI Roadside Assist, for an additional premium.
AAMI Roadside Assist is a dedicated emergency roadside assistance service for your car. This service offers 24-hour roadside assistance, Australia-wide. It can help you with changing a flat tyre, towing your car to the nearest accredited repairer and more.
Keep in mind that CTP Insurance – known as a Green Slip in NSW, is mandatory for all vehicles registered in Australia. So, even if you opt out of other car insurance policies, you’ll still need CTP to be allowed to drive. Get a CTP quote today.
Do a car maintenance check
Summertime is a great time to do routine car checks or maintenance. Here’s a handy guide to get you started.
Keep up with oil changes
Check your oil regularly to keep your car’s engine in good health. Skipping oil changes may save you money in the short-term, but it can lead to serious engine damage.
Check your cooling system
It’s important to check your car’s cooling system before summer rolls around. If it isn’t working as it should, your car may overheat and break down. Remember to check your coolant levels and radiator (including the fans, hoses and hose clamps). When in doubt, leave it up to the pros.
Don't leave kids or animals in the car
Even if it’s a quick stop off, make sure you never leave kids or pets unattended in the car. Parking in the shade isn’t enough to keep your car at a safe temperature. Be ready to take them with you on all stops of your journey.
Get your sunnies ready
Make sure you’ve got a pair of polarised sunnies ready in the glove box. You'll need them for early mornings and late afternoons during sunset. If the sun begins to obstruct your vision, flip down your sun visor and keep a safe distance between you and the car in front.
Install UV filters
You may think you’re not at risk of burns in the shade, but UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through standard car windows.
Get some UV filters installed if your windows aren’t equipped with them. Or just slather on some sunscreen before your drive.
Car-safe sunscreens
If you don’t want to add UV filters, just slather on some sunscreen. Opt for a non-greasy formula so you can maintain a good grip on the steering wheel. And don’t just store it in your glovebox! Sunscreens lose effectiveness over time when stored at high temperatures. Throw it in your portable cooler instead or just apply some before you leave home.
Child-safe sunscreens
Kids and babies have delicate skin. So, always use age-appropriate sun protection products – they’re often formulated for sensitive skin and free from harsh chemicals.
Keep your cool
Getting hot and bothered is much easier when the heat is high. If you feel yourself starting to get angry or frustrated, it may be time to take a break. Driving while properly rested also makes you a safer driver.
To fight poor concentration and driver fatigue, experts recommend you take a rest every two hours. Visit testyourtiredself.com.au for more information.
Despite taking all the precautions, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s important to cover yourself against the unexpected with AAMI Car Insurance.
What to do if your car overheats
Your car may be overheating if you notice a strange smell, steam under your bonnet or a warning from the engine temperature gauge on your dashboard.
If your car overheats:
- Turn your air con off immediately – this reduces the stress on your engine.
- Pull over, turn your car off and let the engine cool down.
- If you’re in traffic, don’t ride the brake. Move along slowly.
- Don’t open the bonnet – you’ll put yourself at risk for serious burns from the steam or smoke.
Get help with AAMI Road Assist
If you haven’t already – add Roadside Assist to your Comprehensive Car Insurance policy.
Terms and conditions apply. Don’t forget to read your PDS!