How to keep your parked car cool in summer?

Getting into a car and finding the air inside unbreathable due to the heat is common on hot days. But it is possible to mitigate the problem through basic measures.

In addition to the discomfort for occupants, heat can be dangerous – flammable materials can ignite, components are susceptible to damage, fluid levels and tire pressure can also be affected by the heat in a vehicle.

So how do you prevent excessive heat build-up in a car? Here are some tips.

• Parking : If you are not at home and do not have the possibility of parking in an artificially covered area, look for places that are more sheltered from the sun – such as the shade of trees or structures.
• Sunshade : You can use a sunshade in your car. It reflects the sun's rays, minimizing their entry into the car. It does not eliminate ambient heat by itself, but it helps to keep the interior cooler.
• Covering your car : A suitable tarpaulin will help keep your car cooler, as well as protecting it from dirt and scratches – and it will protect the entire vehicle, not just the interior. It is important that it is not coated or made of plastic, and that it is of good quality to protect against heat and UV rays.
• Cover surfaces : Covering surfaces such as the dashboard or steering wheel with cloths will help to reduce the amount of sunlight that hits them. In the case of the steering wheel in particular, it is essential that it is not too hot to be able to hold it when you return to the vehicle.
• Tinted windows : This may not be an option for all cars and some already come with it as standard. Tinted windows help block the sun's rays.
• Be careful with open windows : A window slightly open will not cause any problems. But, especially when you are walking away from your car, resist the temptation to leave the windows or sunroofs wide open: burglars are, after all, an ever-present threat.