This summer has been hot. REALLY hot. Like record-breaking temperatures hot. And while heat waves continue throughout the country as we power through these Dog Days of Summer, we thought it might be a good idea to share some thoughts about keeping yourself — and your Ford Bronco or Bronco Sport— safe while hitting the road in the heat.
The summertime is obviously prime time to get behind the wheel for fun in the sun on off-road adventures. Warmer temps, sunny skies, longer days, and, unless you’re at a high elevation on a mountain in certain regions…no snow!
And even though that can all make for ideal off-roading weather, when the temperatures rise high like they have this summer, it can be a challenge and require some extra precautions.
While much of this seems like common sense and info we should already know, the unexpected can happen at any time. So it never hurts to go back to the basics and remind ourselves of key things to do when planning an adventure in the heat and humidity.
PREPPING YOUR FORD BRONCO OR SPORT
Obviously, regular maintenance on your Bronco or Bronco sport is essential. However, if you’re planning on hitting the road in hot weather, taking some extra steps ahead of time becomes even more important.
CHECK FLUID LEVELS
Ensure all your Bronco fluid levels are at the right spot and top off any that need it, including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and even windshield washer fluid.
TRACK YOUR TIRES
Off-roaders know the importance of tire pressure on and off the trail, but this becomes even more essential when the road temps are extremely high. Hot temperatures can cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout. Also, always pay close attention to the tire tread depth and overall condition.
KEEP YOUR VEHICLE HYDRATED
Just like staying hydrated is important for you and your passengers, your Bronco also needs proper hydration in extreme heat. Vehicles work extra hard in the summer, and it’s the cooling system’s job to protect the engine from overheating.
- Ensure the coolant levels are sufficient, and the antifreeze/water mixture is appropriate for the temperature range
- Carry extra coolant and water in your Bronco in case of an emergency
LET THAT AC FLOW
A cool cabin not only makes you feel more relaxed and comfortable in the heat, it also can help you stay less worn down from the high temps and more alert behind the wheel.
- If your air conditioning is not maintaining the interior temperature like it used to, it may mean the refrigerant level is low or there is another problem.
- Always ensure your Bronco’s AC system is working correctly and have it checked by a certified technician. You may need to recharge the refrigerant and replace the cabin air filter for optimal cooling performance.
PROTECT THE INSIDE FROM THE HEAT OUTSIDE
It’s happened to all of us at one time or another…you get in a car that has been parked in the sun and you’re hit with extreme heat inside and seats and surfaces that are hot to touch. When parking in those scorching temps, there are a few ways to help protect the interior:
- Find a spot in the shade or a covered parking area
- Use sunshades for the windshield and windows to block direct sunlight
- Invest in a windshield visor that can help keep the steering wheel and dashboard from becoming too hot to handle
PACK AN EMERGENCY KIT
You should always carry an emergency kit in your Bronco to help you be prepared for the unexpected, including:
- Essential Tools
- Spare Parts
- Recovery Equipment
- Tire Repair Kit
- A First Aid Kit
- Flashlight
- Jumper Cables
- A Fully Charged Phone
- Non-Perishable Snacks
- Extra Water (beyond what you’re packing in your cooler!)
No matter how well you prepare, emergencies can happen, so you should have emergency water for you and your Bronco to last a few days. Being stranded on the road without help can be dangerous anytime, but especially in extreme heat, as you can quickly become heat stressed and dehydrated.
TAKE A TARP
If your Bronco becomes disabled, it will get hot quick as the A/C disappears. If you’re not fortunate enough to be stuck in a tree-filled shady area, having a tarp can help you in a few ways: it can be used to make a sunshade to wait under, or be used to shield you from the hot ground if you have to work on your vehicle.
Our vehicles need to work extra hard in the extreme temperatures, so it’s always important keep it maintained and get it checked out to make sure it can take the heat. Taking these steps before hitting the trails will You should also familiarize yourself with the Ford Bronco symbol glossary so you’re not scrambling for your manual in the heat.
DRIVING THROUGH HEAT
Once you’ve gotten your Bronco ready for the ride, here a few important tips to think about that can help make your hot-weather off-roading more enjoyable and stress-free.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Planning your route ahead of time can make you aware of the trail conditions and difficulty level, and ensure you’re never too far from assistance if needed. When the sun is shining and temps are high, look for shaded trails or those with water sources if possible.
AVOID PEAK HEAT
When temps are extreme, avoid the hottest parts of the day by starting your trip early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
TAKE BREAKS
Your Bronco or Sport are going to be working extra hard in the hot temps, so it’s a good idea to give it an occasional rest to avoid overheating. If you can find a shaded area to get you and your vehicle out of the direct sun, even better. Take five and enjoy that cold H2O.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PETS OR PEOPLE IN THE CAR IN THE HEAT
Temps in a parked car can quickly rise above the temps outside, making it extremely dangerous for anyone inside a car without the AC running. This is a no-brainer that applies whether you’re on the trails or at the grocery store.
KEEP CONNECTED
When planning any kind of off-road adventure, be sure to keep in touch with others. Always let a friend or family member know your plans, including your route and expected return time. Traveling with other Broncos is also a smart option to consider as an added safety precaution. And while you are enjoying the drive, hand-held radios are a great way to communicate with others on the trail.
STAY WITH YOUR BRONCO
If you're off-roading and run into trouble, always remain with your vehicle. Whether you suddenly get stuck, or your vehicle becomes disabled, DO NOT leave your Bronco and try to hike or walk out in the extreme heat to find help. You’re much easier to find with your Bronco than alone on foot.
KEEPING YOURSELF COOL
You’ve got your Bronco or Bronco Sport ready, planned your route…now it’s your turn. Here are some things you should remember to ensure YOU stay safe and comfortable in the high temps.
STAY HYDRATED
The physical activity that comes with off-roading, combined with the extremely high temperatures you may encounter on the trails, can quickly lead to dehydration. This can result in a variety of health risks and possibly impair your ability to drive safely. That’s why it’s especially important to drink your H2O, and lots of it. Bring more than you think you’ll need to be even more prepared for the unexpected.
- Use Reusable Water Bottles: Consider using insulated water bottles or your Bronco Nation YETI to keep your ice from melting and water cool throughout the day.
- Add Electrolyte Solutions: Replenish the salts and minerals lost through sweat by adding sports drinks to the cooler and packing some electrolyte packets for your water.
- Freeze Water Bottles. I sometimes freeze a few disposable water bottles, and use them as ice in the cooler as they gradually melt to ensure cold water at the end of a trip.
SNACK SMART
No road trip or day on the trail is complete without your favorite snacks. But when off-roading in extreme heat, you may need to make a few different choices.
- A quick and easy option that provides nutrients AND helps you stay hydrated is fresh fruits and vegetables, as they have a high water content. Pack your YETI cooler with melons, berries, pineapples, grapes and apples, or cut up celery, bell peppers, cucumbers for a refreshing grab and go snack.
- Keeping your energy levels up without feeling weighed down by packing snacks that provide a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats like nuts, trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruits.
MAKE SMART WARDROBE CHOICES
The right clothing can make a big difference in staying cool in the heat. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting pieces made with a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, which allows sweat to evaporate and cool your body better. And choose lighter shades (think whites, grays, pastels), as they reflect the sun’s rays better and are more effective at blocking UV radiation than darker colors. Find a tee or tank in the gear store today.
BLOCK OUT THAT SUN
The obvious solution is to always apply (and reapply!) sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But don’t forget the sunglasses, a Bronco Nation hat or even one of our Sun Shirts (featuring UPF 50+ protection!) if you’re going to be in direct sun.
USE PROTECTIVE GEAR
Gloves, sturdy boots, and long sleeves are essential any time you off-road. And though it may be tempting to try stay cool, don’t skimp on protective gear when the temps get high, as they can help protect against scrapes and burns from hot surfaces.
Summer is the perfect time to experience the thrill of off-roading in your Bronco or Bronco Sport. And the record-breaking temperatures we’ve been experiencing should not prevent you from hitting the trails. The hot weather may be an added challenge to planning your perfect trip, but by prepping your vehicle, staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, packing the right snacks, planning your route, and staying connected — you can ensure your summer adventures are enjoyable, safe and stress-free.
What tricks, techniques or tools do you use to keep you and your Bronco cool in the hot temps?
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