How to Keep Your Car Cool in Warm Weather

Many people relish the warmth of summer, spending time at the beach, or hosting a cookout- the opportunities for fun are endless. However, sitting in a hot, sticky vehicle isn’t much fun. As we approach the warmer summer days, understanding how to bring your vehicle to a comfortable temperature is essential. While cranking the air conditioning is a simple fix, there are better ways to cool down while maximizing your fuel economy. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different ways to keep your vehicle cool in hot weather.

In This Article

Park Smart
Keep the Windows Cracked
Use a Sunshade
Tint Your Windows

Park Smart

One of the simplest ways to keep your vehicle cool is by getting it out of direct sunlight. This might mean parking your vehicle inside a covered structure or finding a nice, shady area. You may have a longer walk from your vehicle to your destination, but the comfort of keeping your car hidden from the sun will make the trek worth the effort. Be sure to take into consideration direction and time of day. It’s great to park your vehicle in the shade, but if you’re gone for hours, the sun’s direction will shift and may result in a wasted effort. Consider how the sun will shift and plan for your vehicle to be in the shade closer to the time you will re-enter it.

Keep the Windows Cracked

Another way to lower your vehicle’s temperature is by keeping your windows cracked. Doing this will allow the hot air to escape, thus reducing the internal temperature of your vehicle. You’ll want to be careful not to leave the windows down too far, as thieves may see this as an invitation. Nevertheless, keeping the windows open by a couple of inches should drastically decrease your vehicle’s internal temperature.

Use a Sunshade

You’ve likely walked through a crowded parking lot during summer months and noticed vehicles with a sunshade covering their windshield. You may have wondered whether it was just a fashion statement or if it served a practical purpose. The truth is that sunshades can help keep your vehicle cool by blocking the primary point of entry for the sun.

Tint Your Windows

In the same vein, many people believe tinted windows are done for the vehicle’s aesthetic. While that may be true for some, it is not the case for all, as tinted windows can serve a far more practical purpose. By tinting your vehicle’s windows, you can reduce the amount of light allowed to pass through, thus keeping your vehicle cooler. Additionally, you’re cutting down on the entry of harmful UV rays, an added bonus. Many vehicles can be factory ordered with tint; however, there are aftermarket options available as well. Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to confirm the amount of tint that’s legal in your state, as it often varies.

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