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Articles Seasonal & Weather Car Care Tips

Tips on How to Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer

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Getting into a boiling car in the summer heat is an experience no one enjoys. It’s a common problem, especially if you live in a hot climate. Instead of waiting several minutes for the car to cool down, try these simple solutions.

Source: Tim Masters/ shutterstock.com

1. Use a Car Cover

One of the most effective ways of keeping your car cool is investing in a quality car cover. Car covers block harmful UV rays, reducing the amount of heat the car absorbs. A lighter-colored car cover does a great job keeping a car cool since it reflects the sun’s rays. So, no more hot seats, scalding steering wheel, or excessively high internal temperatures.

At CarCovers.com, our Platinum Shield Car Cover is constructed from polyester with a coating that reflects UV rays rather than absorbing them. The breathable multilayer material also allows trapped heat to escape, helping to regulate the internal temperature of your vehicle. A custom car cover not only keeps your car cool in summer but also protects it from rain, snow, humidity, pollen, and dirt. All in all, a car cover is a convenient tool that keeps your car clean, safe, and comfortable year-round.

2. Protect the Steering Wheel

Most people have experienced how the steering wheel of a car can get extremely hot with just a few hours under the sun. A great way of avoiding this uncomfortable problem is using a steering wheel cover. This can be especially useful with leather steering wheels since the sun’s UV rays can damage the material. Fabric steering wheel covers are the best option, as they do not retain heat as easily as leather or synthetic materials.

Source: Shuang Li/ shutterstock.com

Protect Your Vehicle's Exterior with a Car Cover

3. Park in a Shady Area

Many people avoid parking right under trees because of tree sap, pollen, and bird droppings. However, parking in a shady spot is one of the best ways to keep your car cool. You can park your vehicle under big shady trees with a car cover without worrying about environmental factors like tree sap or falling leaves. A cover like the Ultimate Shield Car Cover is ideal for protecting your vehicle on the go. Not only is it chemically treated to protect your car from UV rays, but it provides exceptional protection against dust, debris, bird droppings, and rainfall. A cover that protects your vehicle from environmental factors while reducing heat damage is a smart choice when leaving your car unattended for hours in the summer, even in the shade.

4. Use Seat Covers

Dark-colored seats retain heat and increase the temperature inside your vehicle. UV rays can cause the interior fabric of your car seats to fade in color and the structural integrity of the fibers to deteriorate. Much like car covers, seat covers protect the seats’ fabric from this degradation. Investing in light-colored seat covers also helps reflect the sun’s rays and keep the car cool.

5. Keep Your Windows Slightly Open

Even though it is generally a bad idea to leave your windows open, for security reasons, combined with a car cover, this method can help keep your vehicle cool. A car cover is an excellent theft deterrent since a quick getaway is crucial for thieves and removing the cover is a hassle. Our car covers come with custom grommet holes that are easy to secure with a cable lock system. With a car cover on top, no one will notice you’ve left your windows slightly open, which creates airflow and keeps your car cool.

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Source: Grad/ shutterstock.com

6. Install Tinted Windows

Another way to keep your car cool in summer is to install tinted windows. These are darker than regular windows and prevent sun rays from getting into the car. High-quality tinted windows allow the sun to pass through, but they block out the thermal rays that raise the temperature. They also provide some extra privacy and give the car a very sporty look. Some states limit the percentage of tinting a car’s windshield can have. If you tend to travel interstate, make sure you are up to date with the different rules regarding tinted windows.

Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

Keeping your car cool when the mercury rises is crucial to ensure your car performs optimally. In the long term, reducing heat levels in your vehicle also minimizes interior damage, such as cracked leather seats. For the best choice of semi-custom and custom car covers available online, call CarCovers.com at 800-385-3603 to talk with our experienced staff about how we can prolong the life of your car.

Weather guide

Where do you park it?

Where a car sleeps decides what wears it down. Tap your spot and we'll name the cover we'd pick, and why.

Every answer links to its condition page for the full reasons.

Our pick for full sun

AllGuard Weatherproof Max

We match it to cars that bake outside: its UV treatment coating helps the fabric hold up through a summer parked out. Read why

  • Water-resistant, UV-treated outer with a microporous film
  • Soft fleece liner against the paint
  • Elastic front and rear hems

From $169.99car sizes; trucks and SUVs vary

Shop Weatherproof Max
  • If we don’t get it right, we’ll make it right.
  • AllGuard Protection Warranty included
  • Free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and Canada
  • 30-day returns

Also consider Platinum Shield, from $199.99for snow, storms and damp

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