Summer is finally here, and while we all love the ability to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, nobody enjoys getting into a car that has been sitting in the sun all day. Not only is a hot car uncomfortable for the driver, but repeated exposure to intense heat and sunlight can also be detrimental to your car’s interior! Melted glue that leads to a sagging headliner, cracked vinyl, bleached leather—all of these is direct consequences of leaving your car in the sun for too long. Luckily, there are many cheap and easy strategies to keep your car cool during the summer! Read on for some quick tips on how to keep your car cool during the summer.

Tried and True

Some of the most effective methods for keeping your car cool are also the easiest! The number one way to prevent a hot car is to invest in sunscreen and put it up on your dashboard whenever you leave your car for more than a few minutes. Sunscreens are cheap and can be found in any automotive store. If your car has a large rear window, consider purchasing one for the rear window as well.

Similarly, covering delicate surfaces will prevent them from overheating and protect them in the long run. A dash cover can shield the vinyl on your dashboard, keeping it from splitting and fading from the sunlight. In addition, consider covering your leather or vinyl seats with blankets or seat covers. Not only will this preserve your car’s interior, but also help you from burning yourself on hot surfaces.

Nothing is more uncomfortable than grabbing a burning-hot steering wheel–steering wheel covers are cheap and keep you safe as well! Also, be mindful of any metal surfaces when getting into a hot car, especially seatbelts.

Location is Everything

The simplest solution to a hot car is to not park in the sunlight! This is oftentimes easier said than done, but when picking a parking spot, look for shaded areas or, better yet, a parking garage. Be mindful of how long you plan on staying and how the shade might shift over time. If your house has a carport, use it!

Cool Off!

Unfortunately, hot cars are sometimes unavoidable. In these situations, it is best to crank the air conditioning and cool off as soon as possible. Of course, this relies on an effective air conditioning system! Here at Ray Chevrolet, we are fully equipped to service your air conditioning system and keep it ice-cold. Service appointments can be scheduled online and are guaranteed to be performed by highly-trained technicians. While you’re here, check out the rest of the Chevy lineup, including Chevy EVs and the 2022 Silverado Limited. Finding us is easy, simply search for a Fox Lake Car Dealer or car service in Fox Lake.