Hot summer temperatures can be unbearable, especially when you get into a car.
The National Weather Service warns that cars left in the sun can heat up faster and to higher temperatures than the outdoor environment. After an hour in 84-degree weather, for example, the inside of a car can exceed 120 degrees.
Dark surfaces such as seats and steering wheels can surpass 200 degrees Fahrenheit in direct sunlight.
Follow these tips to keep your car cool during the hottest months:
Use shade or a towel
A windshield sunshade can prevent direct sunlight from heating up the dashboard and wheel. Alternatively, cover them with a light-colored towel to reflect some of the sunlight.
Optimize your air conditioning
Your car may have remote-start air conditioning, but it’s more efficient to run the system while driving rather than at idle. Opening the windows briefly when starting the AC helps expel hot air trapped inside.
Setting the AC to the lowest temperature may seem extreme, but some systems cool air below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer settings could lead to reheating cooled air and higher energy consumption.
Protect high-touch areas
Park with the steering wheel turned away from direct sunlight and cover seat belt buckles, gearshift, and emergency brake to prevent them from getting extremely hot.
