Between 1998 and 2017, more than 700 children died of heatstroke after being left in a hot car.
Even if you know better than to leave kids or pets in a vehicle while you run errands, a hot car can still be a major annoyance.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut down on the heat.
Keep reading to learn a few tips on how to keep your car cool in the summer.
1. Block Out the Sun
While the outside temperature can affect the interior temp of your vehicle, it isn’t the primary suspect. The sun’s rays beating down on the metal of your car is what causes the temp inside your car to skyrocket.
That’s why even on a relatively cool day, the inside of your car can get incredibly hot.
On a sunny day with an air temperature of just 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes just 10 minutes for the inside temperature of a car to reach 89 degrees. Keeping a car cool in the summer means combating the sun, not the air temperature.
There are a variety of ways to do that. You could get your windows tinted, though that can get costly, and may not be legal in your area.
An easier alternative is to use sun shades, particularly in your front and back windows, to cut down on the effect of the sun.
2. Cover Your Seats
Just as the sun beating down on the outside of your car warms up the interior, the sun hitting the seats inside your car heats them up.
The upholstery of your car seats then radiates heat. They increase the temp in your car and increase your own body temperature when you sit on them. Keeping your seats cool can, in turn, keep your car cool.
One option is to purchase full seat covers. If your seats are leather, this might be your best option. If your seats are cloth, simply covering the seat is another great option.
3. Rethink Your Parking
One of the easiest ways to keep your car cool in the summer is to rethink where you park it.
Parking in a garage at your home, a parking garage at work, or in the shade whenever possible will help keep the temperature in your vehicle way down.
4. Crack Your Windows
Knowing that it’s the sun and not the air temperature heating up your car, it should come as no surprise that keeping your car cooler can be as easy as cracking a window.
Opening your windows just an inch or so can help keep air circulating in your vehicle while you’re away. It will also help release hot air building up in your car.
5. Cool Your Car Faster
Even if you follow all of the other tips on this list, your car may still heat up. Luckily, there is an easy way for you to cool it down faster when you get back in.
When you start your car, crank up the AC. Then, roll your back windows down as you start driving. Doing so will allow the AC to push the hot air in your car out the back, cooling your car faster.
How to Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer
If your AC isn’t working properly, then even these tips for how to keep your car cool in the summer may not be enough.
Before you sweat it out all summer long, use this tool to find an auto repair in your area that can help you get it fixed!