5 Ways to Keep Your Car Cool on a Hot Summer Day

You may love summer, but we bet you do not enjoy getting into a car that is stiflingly hot and stuffy! So how can you keep your car cool on those hot summer days? These tips may help:

Ways to Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer

1. Park in the Shade
   If possible, park in a shady spot to prevent direct sun exposure. Although you may deal with some leaves or pollen, avoiding the sun can make a significant difference in keeping your car cooler.
2. Use a Dash Visor
   When no shade is available, a dash visor or sunshade is a good alternative. These inexpensive tools block some of the sun’s rays, reducing the interior temperature and protecting your dashboard from sun damage.
3. Cover the Steering Wheel and Seats with Towels
   Leather seats and steering wheels can become very hot to the touch. Drape towels over them before leaving your car to create a barrier, making it more comfortable when you return.
4. Tint Your Windows
   Tinted windows can block up to 99% of UV rays and some heat, helping keep your car’s interior cooler. Check your local regulations on allowable tint levels, as rules vary by region. Professionally installed window tinting offers a safe, effective way to reduce heat buildup inside your car.
5. Park in Garages or Your Home Garage
   Whenever possible, park your car in a garage. Whether it’s at home, work, or a parking structure, garages protect vehicles from direct sunlight and help keep them cooler. Plus, a garage shields your car’s paint and interior from UV damage over time.
6. Crack the Windows (At Your Own Risk)
   Cracking the windows slightly can promote airflow, helping some of the hot air escape and preventing a heat trap inside the car. Use caution when cracking windows, especially in public areas, to avoid security risks.
7. Make Sure Your A/C is Running Well
   It’s best to check your car’s A/C system before the peak of summer. Try to beat the heat by scheduling your car’s A/C system check early in the summer. That way you can handle any necessary repairs or services before the summer really heats up.
8. Use Window Shades for Back Seats
   If you have young passengers, removable window shades can protect them from harsh sunlight and keep the back seat cooler. Shades are especially helpful during long drives and provide added comfort in warm weather.

Why Cars Get So Hot Inside and Why It’s Unsafe

Cars can heat up rapidly due to a greenhouse effect: sunlight enters through the windows and heats up the interior, but the heat becomes trapped as it can’t escape easily. Within minutes, interior temperatures can surpass outdoor temperatures by 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an unsafe environment. This rapid heat increase can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and damage to belongings left inside, making it dangerous to leave people or pets in a parked car, even for short periods.

FAQs

Do tinted windows keep cars cooler?
Yes, tinted windows help keep cars cooler by blocking UV rays and reducing sun exposure, which can lower the car’s interior temperature. However, window tinting effectiveness varies by tint level.

How to keep a phone cool in a hot car?
Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight. Keep it in a shaded or insulated area within the car, like the glove compartment or under a seat. For long stops, take the phone with you to prevent overheating.

How to keep the car cool without A/C?
Use sunshades on the windshield and windows, park in the shade, and crack the windows to allow hot air to escape. Window tinting can also help reduce the car’s interior temperature. For a breeze, use a battery-powered fan or open windows while driving.

How to keep a laptop cool in a hot car?
To keep a laptop cool in a hot car, store it in a shaded or insulated area, such as under a seat or in a padded case. Avoid direct sunlight and consider turning it off completely, as this reduces heat buildup. If possible, take the laptop with you instead of leaving it in the car for extended periods.

We hope these tips will help you stay cool in your car this summer! Be sure to stop by your local Rad Air with any car repair or maintenance needs.