Beat the Heat: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Car Cool This Summer

As summer temperatures soar, the risks associated with heat exposure inside vehicles become increasingly concerning. A parked car can quickly transform into an oven, with interior temperatures rising dramatically, endangering both people and pets. According to Khalil Savary, a pediatric pulmonologist and associate professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, the consequences of heat exposure can lead to serious health issues such as heat stroke, dehydration, and respiratory distress. Fortunately, drivers can take proactive measures to reduce heat levels in their vehicles, potentially lowering temperatures by 20 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit without relying on idling or excessive air conditioning.

Vehicle Maintenance for Summer Safety

Just as individuals need to stay healthy during the heat, vehicles require regular maintenance to operate efficiently in high temperatures. Savary emphasizes the importance of checking the air conditioning system to ensure it is functioning properly, as a well-maintained AC system can help prevent overheating for both the engine and occupants.

It is also crucial to inspect coolant levels to avoid breakdowns during summer traffic. High heat can significantly drain a vehicle’s battery, so replacing aging batteries and checking for corrosion is essential. Drivers should examine window seals and insulation to make sure they are not allowing excess heat or humidity into the cabin.

Strategies for Keeping Your Car Cool

Preventing heat buildup inside a vehicle starts even before the engine is turned on. Savary recommends scheduling errands for the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings, to avoid peak heat. Parking in shaded areas, such as under trees or next to north-facing walls, can keep a car significantly cooler, sometimes by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using sunshades, windshield umbrellas, or reflective visors can block direct sunlight and lower temperatures throughout the cabin. A simple DIY sunshade can be made using cardboard or foil boards placed under the windshield.

When parked, leaving windows slightly cracked allows hot air to escape without compromising security. Solar-powered fans can also help ventilate the vehicle while it is parked. Covering interior surfaces with light-colored towels can minimize heat absorption, while opening all doors for about 30 seconds or rolling down opposite windows can create airflow channels to rapidly expel hot air before entering the vehicle.

For those considering window tinting, it can legally reduce ultraviolet exposure and cabin heat, protecting both the occupants and the car’s interior materials.

Protecting Passengers and Pets

The dangers of extreme heat in vehicles extend beyond discomfort. Savary warns that leaving children, elderly adults, or pets in a parked car, even for a short time, is extremely risky. Temperatures can increase by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit within just ten minutes, even with the windows cracked.

Before allowing anyone to enter the car, it is advisable to perform a touch-test on car seats, buckles, and steering wheels to ensure they are not too hot. Drivers should also consider flipping seat buckles upside down before parking to prevent burns.

Hydration is vital during the summer months. Keeping a reusable water bottle in the vehicle and refilling it regularly can help combat dehydration. Additionally, bringing a spray bottle filled with water can provide instant cooling relief when combined with a fan.

To maximize the efficiency of the air conditioning system, drivers can let hot air escape by briefly driving with the windows down before sealing the vehicle. Opting for breathable seat covers made of fabric or ventilation-friendly materials can reduce heat absorption compared to leather or vinyl options.

It is also wise to keep an emergency kit in the car, equipped with water, electrolyte tablets, and a handheld fan or mist sprayer.

Savary highlights the collective impact of these small steps, stating, “Each of these steps is small, but together they create a powerful defense against summer heat.” He emphasizes that the extreme temperatures observed are part of a broader pattern of global warming that affects health, safety, and daily routines. By making informed choices, such as reducing unnecessary idling, carpooling, and investing in energy-efficient vehicles, individuals can protect themselves and contribute to a healthier planet.