If you live in a warm climate and regularly park your car in the sun, you may have noticed that it can get uncomfortably hot inside even when the outside temperature isn’t too high.
When sunlight hits your windshield, it warms up your car’s interior even more, trapping the heat inside and turning your car into an oven if you leave it parked there for long enough.
Take it from Beck’s Auto Center—these 4 methods will help you keep your parked car cool in the summer so you can rest easy knowing your vehicle won’t overheat while you’re away from it.
Use Reflective Surfaces
One of the easiest and most effective ways of keeping your parked car cool during the summer is by installing a reflective sunshade on your windshield. Sunshields are designed to reflect as much sunlight away from the car as possible, and can be purchased at any car-parts store.
The major benefit of using a sunshade is that it will keep your vehicle cooler, which leads to increased fuel efficiency and longevity of components like brakes and engine oil.
Replace Old Tires with Newer Tires
When your tires are old and worn, they can heat up dramatically when you drive. When they heat up, they radiate that heat back into your vehicle, making it warm and uncomfortable on a hot summer day.
In fact, if you put new tires on your car, you’ll find those summer days won’t be so unpleasant anymore. Newer tires don’t conduct as much heat, meaning you won’t feel as much of a difference between driving and sitting still. If your car has been feeling hotter than usual lately, consider replacing your tires with new ones!
Park in the Shade, If PossiblE
One of your best options for making sure your car stays cool on a hot day is to park it where it won’t be directly exposed to sunlight. Parking near trees or a tall building can keep your car out of direct sunlight and allow it to cool down faster. If you have no choice but to park under a tree, make sure that you check underneath your car every once in a while; falling leaves can do major damage (and not just because they’re annoying). They can damage your paint job and even clog air filters!
Keep Windows Slightly Cracked
Windows often account for 30% of your car’s cooling system. Keeping them cracked, even slightly, can help keep you cool when you’re parked outside on a hot day. If you leave your windows open just a crack, it also allows fresh air to circulate inside while deterring bugs and preventing an odor buildup from spills or pet hair. It may not be enough to cool down your whole vehicle, but it will make things more comfortable.
Cool Down at an Auto Repair ShoP
We get that your car will be hot when it’s parked all day, but what if it’s still hot after running the AC…?
Sounds like your AC system may need a tuneup!
Whether your AC isn’t putting out cold air or you notice a foul odor coming from the vents, Beck’s Auto Center can help with that! Schedule an appointment online, and get your AC fixed in time for hot July weather!