Hot, sunny days put everyone in a great mood. That is, until they can’t find a shaded parking space. Trying to climb inside a car that’s reached sauna-like temperatures is deeply unpleasant. But more than that, it’s actually dangerous, for both you and your car. We’ll explore the harms a hot car can cause in this article, as well as take a look at some effective sun protection measures to use with your vehicle.
How Do Cars Get So Hot?
Many people have heard of the greenhouse effect, but they associate it with climate change. Little do they know the exact same process is taking place on a much smaller scale inside their own vehicles. Sunlight passes easily through the windows and is absorbed by the surfaces inside. These then emit heat, which can’t pass through the windows so easily. So, more and more of it builds up inside.
The same thing happens inside greenhouses, and some scientists suggest the same is happening in our atmosphere, only with certain gases instead of glass. This process can make car interiors significantly hotter than the external temperature.
What are the Dangers of Hot Cars?
We’ve all seen posters and advertisements warning us not to leave dogs inside hot cars. But the truth is that such high temperatures aren’t good for almost any living thing, including you and any passengers you might have. Heatstroke and dehydration are very real risks, and they’re certainly not things you want to experience while driving. Burning yourself on hot surfaces is also a possibility.
If your car has been parked out in the sun for a long time, don’t be tempted to just jump in and hope the temperature decreases along the way. Open the doors and windows to let the hot air out and bring the temperature down before you move.
Can Excessive Heat Damage a Car?
Yes, your car’s interior can also be damaged if the temperature climbs too high. Leather surfaces can dry out and crack, and plastics can melt and warp. The sun’s UV rays are also harmful, as they’ll cause coloured surfaces to fade. This happens subtly over time and is the main reason why car interiors actually look older as time passes.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your health and your car’s resale value from the perils of the greenhouse effect.
How to Prevent Cars from Getting Too Hot
Cracking the windows doesn’t really work because it doesn’t stop sunlight from getting in. It allows slightly more heat to escape, but still far from enough to stop the interior from heating up. A far better option is a car window sunlight blocker, also called a window shade. These are cheap, intuitive to use, and they stop sunlight and harmful UV rays from being absorbed by the interior surfaces.
By doing so, they protect your car’s condition and keep the cabin cool enough for you to safely climb into your car after it’s been out in the sun.
Conclusion
So, those are the dangers of hot cars that every responsible driver should be aware of. If you can’t be protected by shade, make sure you have a backup plan for those hot summer days, like window shades.
