Everybody is familiar with the almost unbearably hot temperatures cars can reach in the middle of summer. So while the hottest season of the year brings sunny skies and warm temperatures, it also turns your car into an oven if you’re not careful.
Getting into a vehicle that’s been baking in the sun can feel unbearable, and high temperatures can even damage your car’s interior over time. Keeping your car cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about protecting your investment and staying safe on the road.
However, and much to the surprise of many, it isn’t actually that difficult to keep your car cool over summer. Apply some of our simple and effective ways to beat the heat and maintain a cooler car, even on the hottest days. H
Use Sunshades and Window Covers
One of the easiest ways to prevent your car from heating up is by blocking the sun’s rays. Sunshades or reflective window covers are inexpensive tools that can dramatically reduce the temperature inside your car.
Place a sunshade in the windshield whenever you park to reflect sunlight and keep the dashboard and seats from absorbing heat. For extra protection, consider using side window covers or tinting your windows to further minimize sun exposure.
If you’re parked in a particularly sunny spot, a sunshade in the rear window can also help keep the entire interior cooler.
Park Strategically
Where you park makes a big difference in how hot your car gets. Whenever possible, look for shaded parking spots, such as under trees, near buildings, or in covered lots. Even partial shade can significantly reduce the interior temperature.
If shaded parking isn’t available, try to park with your windshield facing away from the sun. This reduces the amount of direct sunlight hitting the largest glass surface, which can help keep the car slightly cooler.
Ventilate Your Car
Before getting in, take a moment to ventilate your car to let the hot air escape. Open all the doors or roll down the windows for a minute or two to allow heat to dissipate before you start driving. For an even faster cooldown, try this trick: open one door and repeatedly open and close the opposite door. This creates a fan-like effect that pushes hot air out and draws cooler air in.
Use Seat Covers or Towels
Leather and vinyl seats can get painfully hot in the summer, making it uncomfortable to sit down. Protect your seats by using breathable fabric seat covers or placing light-colored towels over them.
Not only will this prevent the seats from overheating, but it will also protect them from sun damage and fading. If you frequently park in direct sunlight, this small step can make a big difference in comfort.
Invest in a Solar-Powered Fan
Solar-powered fans are a great way to keep air circulating in your car while it’s parked. These devices attach to your car window and use solar energy to power a small fan, which helps to ventilate the interior and reduce the buildup of heat.
Although they won’t cool your car as effectively as air conditioning, they can make the interior feel noticeably less stuffy when you return.
Cover Your Steering Wheel
A scorching-hot steering wheel is the last thing you want to deal with on a summer day. To keep it cool, cover it with a towel or a specialized steering wheel cover when you park.
For an added bonus, consider a reflective or light-colored cover that reflects sunlight and keeps the wheel at a manageable temperature.
Keep Your AC in Top Shape
Your car’s air conditioning system is your best friend during the summer, so make sure it’s working efficiently. Schedule regular maintenance to ensure the system is in good condition, and replace the cabin air filter if it’s dirty or clogged.
If your AC isn’t cooling as well as it should, it may be time to have it checked for leaks or recharged with refrigerant. A properly functioning AC system is essential for staying cool on long drives.
Use a Dash Cover
The dashboard is one of the areas most affected by sunlight, absorbing heat and radiating it into the car. A dash cover made of reflective or insulated material can help reduce heat buildup and protect your dashboard from cracking or fading. Dash covers come in various styles and materials, so you can choose one that matches your car’s interior while keeping it cool.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be a struggle to keep your car cool during the summer. With the right tools and strategies, you can beat the heat and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience. From using sunshades and ventilating your car to maintaining your AC system, these tips will help you stay cool no matter how high the temperatures climb.
A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your car from the sun and keeping it enjoyable to drive during the hottest months. So next time the summer heat rolls in, you’ll be ready to handle it with ease.