There's no doubt about it. Our triple digit temperatures can only mean one thing: It must be summer! And while we may be headed for the inevitable dog days, there's still time to squeeze in one final summer road trip.

The first thing you should do before you embark on any adventure, is check to make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Once that’s passed muster, you’ll want to get yourself prepared for any circumstance… Bring along a fully charged cell phone, plenty of cold water, healthy snacks, and sun protection in all its forms. Do you have a first aid kit? Jumper cables? Fresh wiper blades? Consulted the checklist? Okay, then you’re all set!

Almost two years ago, we crafted a Spotify playlist for your winter and holiday travels. This year, with more folks eager to explore the Copper State, we’ve put together an awesome assemblage of summer, heat, and even rain songs!

We kick things off the right way with Santana and Rob Thomas proclaiming that the heat is so bad, it feels “like seven inches from the midday sun.” Here in Arizona, we know that feeling. We know that feeling a good 45% of the year!

Tunes from the Fresh Prince (and Jazzy Jeff!), Mungo Jerry and the Lovin’ Spoonful extol the virtues and drawbacks of summertime.

While the Kinks, Len, and Katrina & the Waves have a lot to say about the sunshine.

It wouldn’t be summer in Arizona without the monsoon! Enjoy vintage rain songs from the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Johnny Rivers.

And in case of a “nonsoon?” Blind Melon has you covered with “No Rain.”

We even take a trip to Broadway with Cole Porter’s classic “Too Darn Hot” from Kiss Me, Kate and the unforgettable melody of Summer Nights from “Grease.”

There’s plenty more! With 22 songs going the distance of an hour and half, this playlist will be a trusty companion wherever you travel this summer.

This will not come as a huge shock to anyone, but Arizona gets pretty darn hot in the summertime.

Most of us beat the heat on a day-to-day basis with a combination of air conditioning, swimming pools and ice-cold liquid refreshment. But what if you're between those things or traveling to someplace more temperate? 

It's important for you and your vehicle to be prepared for these potentially scorching summertime temperatures, no matter where you find yourself. Luckily, we have accumulated some safety tips to help you do just that.

First off, make sure your vehicle is at tip-top shape to beat the heat. That includes:

• Test your battery, especially if it is past 3 years old. Heat can zap batteries.
• Check your coolant levels and top them off if necessary. If you are due for a coolant flush, consider getting that done before going anywhere too far away.
• Make sure to also check your oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid.
• Confirm that your tires are properly inflated to reduce the risk of blowouts.
• Stock your vehicle with a first-aid kit, jumper cables and safety flares.
• Finally, make sure your car's air conditioner is working!

Now that your vehicle is ready to hit the road, remember to be prepared yourself.

• Plan your travel route in advance and check the az511.gov Arizona Traveler Information site for travel and weather conditions.
• Take along a fully charged cellphone
• Bring along plenty of sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and an umbrella.
• Have a cooler with cold drinking water.
• Be prepared with some healthy snacks

If there is a crash or your vehicle becomes disabled, make sure to call for assistence immediately. If possible, find a shaded spot to stop and run your air conditioner until help arrives. 

Given the current public health situation, your summer to-go list also should include hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and a cloth face covering.

You can find more tips about how to make sure you and your vehicle can enjoy summer, despite extreme heat, on the transportation safety page of our website. And just keep thinking frosty thoughts until temperatures dip once again!