Prepare for delay and heat

Carry drinking water, monitor passengers and check traffic before departure. Never leave children or animals in a stationary vehicle, even during a short stop.

Follow vehicle warnings, not generic temperatures

Coolant displays and normal operating ranges vary. If a temperature warning appears, reduce load and follow the owner's manual. Move to a safe location and contact assistance if the warning persists, steam appears or coolant leaks.

Do not open a hot pressurised cooling system. Whether an engine should remain running or be switched off depends on the vehicle and fault; the historical blanket instruction to keep it running is unsafe.

Use the transmission as designed

Modern automatic, hybrid and electric drivetrains manage stationary operation differently. Use the selected mode described by the manufacturer rather than shifting to neutral or park as a universal heat remedy.

Stay inside on active motorway lanes

Do not walk on the motorway during ordinary congestion. Leave the vehicle only for an emergency and follow police, road-operator and safety instructions.

Plan charging or fuel, medication and food for vulnerable travellers before a long summer route.