Even under the right circumstances, the best cars aren’t immune to the misery of a hot interior in the 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 a few things to take into consideration like hot seatbelt buckles, sizzling leather seats that can stick to your legs, and a dashboard, steering wheel, and gear shift that are hot to the touch.
Hot cars aren’t just uncomfortable, they can also be dangerous. Thankfully, it’s not too difficult to follow a few tips to keep your parked car as cool as it can be when there is intense heat 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 will 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 will be worth the extra walking. Can you park in your garage at home? Your garage’s main purpose is for parking and storage, but a lot of people 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. Some companies 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. Another option is using a blanket, 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 crack your windows, be conscious of your surroundings because theft can occur. Park in visible areas where there’s a decent amount of people and other cars. Parking in view of surveillance cameras will also help. Don't forget though, leaving your windows open has the risk of rain and other elements making a mess of the interior of your car.
Making sure your air conditioning is working to the best of its ability is another thing that is very important in the dead of summer. When you have routine maintenance on your car in summer, it’s never a bad idea to make sure your air conditioning is in working order. That’s something we can easily help with here at Schmit Bros! Mention to your service advisor that you’d like to get your air looked at to make sure it’s running to the best of its ability.
Using one of these car cooling ideas or a combination of them will keep a parked car cooler in the heat of the summer. If you’re looking for service, look no further! We’d be happy to help you with all of your car needs - from oil changes and tire rotations to the big stuff! Give us a call at (262) 284-8844 and get your service scheduled today.