Serving All Makes & Models Since 1947

651-228-1316

982 Grand Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105
Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm

summer

When it is hot outside, remember that inside the vehicle it can be even hotter. On a 90-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise at least another 20 degrees in just the first 10 minutes. With everyday driving, just getting in your car after it has been parked in the sun for a while can be uncomfortable. It also has the potential to cause burns.

Keeping Cool while Parking

When parking, reducing the amount of sunlight coming in through the windows can minimize heat buildup. Make sure to park in the shade if possible. If you need to park in sunlight and you have a sunroof, close the shade. You can also put a sunshade in the windshield and another over the rear seat window. This is especially important if you have children in car seats. Folding window shades are easy to store while driving. If you are parking in a secure area and there won’t be any rain, lower each window an inch or two. You can also crack the sunroof if you have one.

Getting in the Vehicle in Summer

Remember when getting into your vehicle to be careful not to burn yourself on hot surfaces. Open the windows for the first few minutes to let buildup heat escape. Bring a towel to sit on if you are wearing shorts and have leather or vinyl seats. Make sure to be cautious when buckling up to not touch the metal part of the seatbelt as you can burn yourself. It may also not be a bad idea to use a light pair of gloves if the steering wheel too hot to handle.

Also, driving when it is hot out has several challenges for all for passengers and pets. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, bring plenty of water and snacks for them. Also make sure to plan to stop more often to tend to them. The rear seat and cargo areas in can be warmer than the front-seat area. If you’re carrying passengers back there, and there are no backseat temperature controls, adjust the front air conditioning vents so they direct air to the rear.