As the summer season approaches, it's essential to prepare your vehicle for the challenges of hot weather. High temperatures can make your car uncomfortable and even cause damage to its interior and exterior components. In this article, our expert technical team at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) Plano offers practical tips and outlines accessories that can help keep your vehicle cool during the hot Texas summer months.
How to Keep My Car Cool In the Summer?
There are several ways to keep your car cool during the summer. Preparing your car for the summer season is not only about comfort but also about protecting your investment. By taking the necessary steps to keep your vehicle cool, you can prevent damage to its interior and exterior components, ensuring its longevity and value.
Use a Sunshade or a Window Visor
An effective way to keep your car cool during the summer is to use a sunshade or window visor. These accessories block the sun's rays from entering your vehicle, significantly reducing interior temperature. When you park your car for extended periods, consider putting up a sunshade or window visor on the windshield and even the rear window to keep the vehicle's interior cool.
Cover Your Dash
A fabric or upholstered dash cover can protect your car's dashboard from the sun's harmful UV rays, preventing cracking and fading. It also makes the interior more comfortable by reducing the temperature of the vinyl surfaces.
Protect Your Steering Wheel
When you park your car, consider covering the steering wheel with a hand towel. This simple trick can keep the contact temperature of your steering wheel down, making it more comfortable to grip when you return to your vehicle.
Park in the Shade or a Garage
Parking in the shade will help keep your vehicle cooler. If you have access to a garage, make use of it during the summer months, as it provides constant shade and protection from direct sunlight.
Store Heat-Sensitive Items Properly
If you have any heat-sensitive items in your car, such as tapes, CDs, or electronics, it's crucial to keep them out of direct sunlight. Store them underneath the seats, cover them with a blanket, or place them in the trunk to prevent damage from the high temperatures.
Leave Your Windows Slightly Cracked
To promote ventilation and air circulation, leave your windows slightly cracked when parked. While it's not advisable to leave them fully open for security reasons, a small crack can help expel hot air from your vehicle.
Cover Your Seats
If your car has vinyl or leather seats, you know how uncomfortable they can get in the summer heat. To keep your seats cool, throw blankets over them when you park. When you return, you can easily remove the blankets and store them in the trunk or on the floorboards.
Let Out the Hot Air
Before getting into your hot car, take a moment to leave the doors open for a few minutes. This allows the hot air to escape and cooler air to enter, making your initial drive more comfortable. If opening the doors isn't possible, lower the windows to improve ventilation.
Keep Up With Maintenance
It's important to keep your car well-maintained during the summer months. Checking your car's fluid levels, inspecting the tires, and ensuring the air-conditioning system is functioning properly can keep your vehicle running efficiently in the heat.
Invest in Detailing and Car Covers
Another crucial aspect of summer car care is protecting your vehicle's exterior from the sun's harmful rays. Regularly washing and waxing your car can help prevent paint damage and fading caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. If you don't have a garage, consider using a car cover when your vehicle is parked for extended periods to provide an extra layer of protection.
Get a Summer Emergency Kit
It's also a good idea to keep a summer emergency kit in your car. This kit should include essential items such as water, nonperishable snacks, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and a flashlight. Having these items on hand can provide peace of mind and help you stay prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise during your summer travels.
Essential Summer Car Accessories
Besides the accessories mentioned earlier, solar-powered fans are an innovative accessory that can help circulate air and expel hot air from your vehicle. These fans are easy to install and operate, as they rely on solar energy to function.
Seat covers are practical solutions for keeping your car seats cool. They protect the seats from direct sunlight and make them more comfortable to sit on during hot days. You can find seat covers in various materials and designs to match your car's interior.
Other useful summer car accessories include portable air conditioners, cooling gel seat cushions, and UV-blocking window tints. Portable air conditioners can provide instant relief from the heat, especially if your car's built-in air-conditioning system is struggling to keep up. Cooling gel seat cushions are designed to absorb and dissipate body heat, making your seats more comfortable during long drives. UV-blocking window tints not only help keep your car's interior cool but also protect your skin and upholstery from the sun's harmful rays.
If you're looking for quality accessories to prepare your vehicle for the summer heat, Huffines CJDR Plano has got you covered. You can easily order parts online or browse through our extensive Mopar accessories catalogs to find the perfect items to keep your car cool and comfortable this summer.
Prepare Your Vehicle for the Summer Season
Now that you know the tips and accessories to keep your vehicle cool during the summer, it's time to take action. Inspect your car and see if it's equipped with the necessary items to combat the heat. If you need additional accessories or parts, don't hesitate to visit Huffines CJDR Plano. Our knowledgeable staff in Plano, Texas, can assist you in finding the perfect solutions for your vehicle. By implementing the tips and utilizing the accessories mentioned in this article, you'll be on your way to a pleasant driving experience, even on the hottest days.