7 tips to keep your car cool this summer

Imagine walking up to your car, opening the doors and feel like you have just entered a furnace, with baking seats, a steering wheel you cannot touch and the aircon just not taking effect. That is the hot summer taking a toll on your beloved set of wheels. It’s impossible to find an enclosed parking everywhere so here are a few things that will help keep your car from turning into an oven.

I. Try to find a shady spot

Whenever possible, park in a shady area. If you're going to be somewhere for an extended period of time, it's worth it to walk a bit farther in order to park in the shade. You'll be happy to enter a not-so-hot car when you return from your day out.

II. Use a sunshade or a window visor

You get plenty of sunshades available now and they are not too expensive and at the same do a great job of keeping the sun out especially since using tints is now illegal.

Put up a sunshade or window visor every time you exit your car for more than a few minutes. Keep it even cooler for long periods by putting a sunshade in your rear window as well.

III. Use a dashboard cover

A fabric or upholstered dash cover can go a long way towards making your car's interior more comfortable. You won't feel as overwhelmed by the heat if you don't have to touch hot vinyl surfaces. Dash covers also protect sensitive vinyl from sun damage that can cause cracking and fading.

IV. Cover your steering wheel with a hand towel

Even if you use a sunshade, it's a good idea to cover your steering wheel with a small towel. This will help to keep the contact temperature of your steering wheel down.

V. Park in a garage or basement parking when possible

Whenever possible, park in a garage or when visiting a mall, take up the basement parking. Your car will be out of direct sunlight and will have the benefit of near-constant shade. Even a warm garage beats being parked in the sun all day.

VI. Keep the windows slightly rolled down

While it's not a good idea to leave your windows all the way open, it is a good idea to leave them slightly rolled down. Check to be sure that you can't fit your arm through the crack in your window. Even a small crack will promote ventilation and help to keep your car cool.

VII. Cover the seats with a sheet

If your car features vinyl or leather seats, you know just how hot these materials can become when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. To keep car seats cool, throw a sheet over them. When you return to the car, you can place the sheets on the floorboards or toss them in the trunk. Keeping your seats cool will make your car more pleasant on hot summer days.