Under the right circumstances, even the best types of cars aren’t immune to the misery of a hot interior in the midst of summer. When it’s a scorcher outside, entering a car that’s been parked directly in the sun for hours is not enjoyable. There are things to take into consideration like hot seatbelt buckles, sizzling leather seats that can stick to your legs, and a dashboard, a steering wheel, and gear shift that are hot to the touch.
So why does the interior of a vehicle that’s parked in the sun feel so much warmer than it feels outdoors on a hot, sunny day? The sun’s heat enters a vehicle through the windows and gets trapped inside, increasing the temperature steadily. When the sun is pounding on your interior, the temperature just keeps rising.
Hot cars aren’t just uncomfortable, they can also be dangerous. But thankfully, it’s not too difficult to follow a few tips to keep your parked car cool, or as cool as it can be, even when it’s a scorcher outside.
On a day when it’s hot and there’s not a ton of clouds above, finding some shade when parking will make your car much more comfortable to return to, even though it might still get hot.
Ideally, you’d want to find a garage. If that’s not an option, park beneath some trees or in the shade of a building. This can help keep your car cooler and be worth the extra walking. Make sure you take into account where you’re parking, what time of day it is, and when you’ll be back.
Can you park in your garage at home? Your garage’s main purpose is for parking and storage, but a lot of homeowners can’t use it for that function. When your home, you can’t beat garage parking to keep your car cool. Aside from staying cooler, there are other benefits to making space in your garage for parking. The risk of theft or burglary goes way down and your vehicles will be protected from the elements.
Even though they do help keep the temperature down by blocking the sun, some people really hate the look of those windshield sunshades. Most sunshades you see in parked cars flatten out and don't always look the best. It’s completely understandable that you might not want your vehicle’s looks being spoiled by a sunshade, but there are nicer-looking windshield sunshades that can help to keep your car cool. Some companies even offer custom models that allow for a perfect fit and color match.
If a sunshade is not something you’d like, covering up the parts of the interior that get the hottest is another way to go. There are plenty of models of dashboard covers. Like the sunshades, you can look around for a higher quality product that provides a good fit and complements your car. Your steering wheel and leather seats are the other parts you’d want to cover up. If you’re wearing shorts or a dress, your legs will thank you. If you have dark leather seats, it might be worth using lighter colored seat covers during the hottest months to save your skin. For a less expensive option, using a blanket or two will help, but make sure it's a lighter colored blanket.
Window tints are also effective at helping to keep a parked car cool. Better quality tints are designed to allow for light to pass through while blocking out the thermal rays. Good window tints also cut down on the sun’s harmful UV rays. But here’s where it can get tricky – there are varying laws for how window tints can be used and how dark they can be. It gets even more complicated if you’re driving outside of your state; what’s legal with your window tint where may not be where you’re travelling.
A lot of drivers still leave a car’s windows or sunroof open to keep their vehicle’s temperature down. This does let the heat escape and helps to make some airflow through the car, but only a small amount given you want to only have your windows open a crack. If you leave your car windows or sunroof open even just an inch, a car thief could potentially get inside. If you’re willing to try cracking your windows, be conscious of your surroundings. Park in visible areas where there’s a decent amount of people and other cars. Parking in view of surveillance cameras can also help. Don't forget though the other issue of leaving your windows open; the risk of a rainstorm making a mess of your car.
Using one of these car cooling or a combination of them will keep a parked car cooler in the heat of the summer. Following these steps and you can keep your car cooler and more comfortable to drive.