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Arizona summers can be tough on both drivers and vehicles. In Part 6 of my Behind the Wheel series, I share lessons learned from years of responding to breakdowns, overheated vehicles, flat tires, and stranded motorists throughout Florence and surrounding Arizona communities—and how a little preparation can make a big difference when temperatures soar.
Florence, AZ | Towing Company
If you've lived in Arizona for any length of time, you know summer can be brutal.
By the time July and August arrive, temperatures in Florence and surrounding communities can easily climb above 110 degrees. Pavement temperatures can be much higher, vehicle interiors become ovens, and mechanical issues seem to appear at the worst possible time.
As a tow operator, summer is one of the busiest times of the year.
Every summer, we respond to breakdowns, overheated vehicles, dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and stranded motorists throughout Florence, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Gold Canyon, Apache Junction, and surrounding Arizona communities.
While every call is different, Arizona summers have taught me some valuable lessons about vehicles, preparation, and people.
Most people think about how uncomfortable the heat can be for people, but Arizona's extreme temperatures are hard on vehicles too.
During the summer months, we frequently see:
• Overheating engines
• Dead batteries
• Tire failures and blowouts
• Cooling system failures
• Belt failures
• Electrical issues
• Air conditioning failures
Many of these problems develop long before the vehicle actually breaks down.
Unfortunately, the first sign of a problem is often when someone finds themselves stranded on the side of the road.
One of the best things drivers can do is have their vehicle inspected before summer temperatures reach their peak.
One thing Arizona summers have taught me is that a minor vehicle issue can quickly become a serious situation.
A dead battery in mild weather is frustrating.
A dead battery when it's 112 degrees outside can become dangerous.
A flat tire on a cool morning is inconvenient.
A flat tire in the middle of the afternoon on a remote roadway can create serious safety concerns.
This is especially true for:
• Elderly drivers
• Children
• Pets
• People with medical conditions
• Motorists in remote areas
The Arizona heat doesn't give much room for mistakes.
One of the simplest pieces of advice I can give is this:
Always carry water.
Not one bottle.
Not two bottles.
More than you think you'll need.
We regularly assist drivers who are stranded longer than expected because of location, traffic, accidents, weather conditions, or other factors beyond anyone's control.
Having water available can make a significant difference while waiting for assistance.
When I first entered the towing industry, many people relied on landmarks to describe their location.
Today, smartphones have become one of the most valuable safety tools a stranded motorist can have.
Your phone can help you:
• Share your location
• Send GPS coordinates
• Take photos of the vehicle
• Communicate changing conditions
• Call for help
In fact, we've had off-road recovery situations where GPS coordinates were the key to locating stranded motorists.
If you're unsure where you are, a screenshot of your map location can often tell us far more than a verbal description.
Many people underestimate how quickly conditions can change in the desert.
What starts as a short drive, trail ride, or weekend adventure can become much more complicated when a vehicle breaks down.
Throughout areas like Box Canyon, Florence-Kelvin Highway, Queen Valley, and surrounding desert locations, we've seen vehicles become stranded because of:
• Mechanical failures
• Tire damage
• Overheating
• Deep sand
• Poor cellular service
• Lack of preparation
The Arizona desert is beautiful, but it demands respect.
Before heading off-road, make sure someone knows where you're going and when you expect to return.
One thing I love about this job is meeting people from all walks of life.
When a vehicle breaks down, most people are having a bad day.
They're frustrated.
They're stressed.
They're worried about being late, missing work, missing appointments, or getting home.
Yet time after time, I see people adapt, stay calm, and work through difficult situations.
Some of the strongest people I've met have been standing beside a disabled vehicle in the Arizona heat trying to figure out their next step.
Those experiences remind me that towing isn't really about vehicles.
It's about helping people.
People sometimes ask what it's like working in towing during Arizona summers.
The answer is simple.
It's hot.
Really hot.
But every operator working in Arizona faces those same conditions.
Whether it's changing a tire, loading a vehicle, working an accident scene, or performing an off-road recovery, the heat is simply part of the job.
The key is preparation.
Just like drivers should prepare for Arizona summers, tow operators do too.
Water, planning, safety, and situational awareness become even more important when temperatures climb into the triple digits.
Arizona summers have taught me many lessons.
They've taught me the importance of preparation.
They've taught me the value of staying calm under pressure.
They've taught me that small vehicle problems can become much bigger when extreme heat is involved.
Most importantly, they've reinforced why professional towing and roadside assistance services matter.
When something goes wrong, having experienced people you can call makes a difference.
At Shad Randall's Towing & Recovery, we're proud to help drivers throughout Florence, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Gold Canyon, Apache Junction, and surrounding Arizona communities navigate whatever challenges summer brings.
Stay safe.
Stay hydrated.
And if you find yourself stranded, we'll be there.
Stephanie Randall is co-owner of Shad Randall's Towing & Recovery and has been working in the towing and recovery industry since 2018. She specializes in roadside assistance, accident recovery, off-road recovery, vehicle transport, and customer service throughout Arizona.
📞 480-250-9327
I've spent many summer days working on the side of Arizona roads in triple-digit temperatures. Those experiences have taught me lessons I'll never forget—and I hope they'll help you stay safe this summer
