How to Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer

For Lakeland drivers who don’t enjoy intense heat, getting into a car that has been sitting under the beaming sunlight can feel torturous. You know exactly what we mean: the scalding seat belt buckles, sizzling leather seats, burning steering wheels, and gear shifts that are way too hot to touch. The heat of summer can make driving around in this otherwise beautiful season downright unpleasant. 

Check out this guide from the service center at Stingray Chevrolet to learn how to help keep your car cool in the summer so you can travel more comfortably in the Plant City heat!

Tips for Keeping Your Car Cool 

Don’t let the intense heat of summer keep you from enjoying trips to the beach, pool days, or outdoor parties. If you’re curious about how to keep your car cool in the summer, follow these steps to mitigate the effects of the hot temps: 

• Cool Off Your Car Before Driving: If possible, open your car doors and let it cool off before hitting the streets of Brandon. This will allow the warm air to move out of the cabin, and let cooler air come in. 
• Park in a Shaded or Covered Area: Parking somewhere with shade is an easy way to keep the temperature in your car as cool as possible. If you have access to a garage or overhang, even better!
• Use a Sunshade: This tried-and-true method helps counteract hot interior temps if you can’t find a shaded area. Put up a sunshade or window visor every time you exit your car for more than a few minutes to feel a noticeable difference when you come back. You can even purchase a sunshade for your rear window!
• Crack Open the Windows: Allow air to move through your car’s cabin leaving your windows slightly cracked open. However, we don’t recommend rolling the windows down too much if you plan to leave your car unattended for an extended amount of time. 
• Cover Your Steering Wheel: Avoid the painful experience of burning your hands by covering your steering wheel with a small towel or steering wheel cover! This low-cost option can keep the contact temperature of your steering wheel down and protect it from UV damage.
• Protect the Leather Surfaces: If your car has leather or leatherette, you know just how hot your seats can get when exposed to sunlight. Installing cloth seat covers will not only keep you cool but will protect your seats from sun exposure which can fade the material much quicker. 
• Tint Your Windows: Having tinted windows is a great way to reduce the temperature of your car’s cabin. Always check the laws in your state before you purchase or have someone install window tint in your vehicle. 

Get More Car Care Tips from Stingray Chevrolet! 

Do you have more questions about how to keep your car cool in the summer? The service team at Stingray Chevrolet is ready to help! We’ll happily explore your options to find the best way to beat the Valrico heat, like installing OEM window visors or sunshades. Contact us online or call us at (813) 704-2102 to get started. While you’re here, browse our parts and service specials to save money on your next maintenance service or parts upgrades.