Safety

Heat Safety Tips For Your Car

Summertime is the perfect reprieve. Days are filled with sunnier skies, kids are no longer in school, and outdoor barbeques seem to happen every weekend. While the good life comes just once a year, the summer months pose certain health and safety risks that warrant your awareness.

Those longer days of sunlight lead to rising temperatures that can cause havoc on your car and potential threats to those passengers inside. This article will detail why heat safety is important and simple tips on how to protect your vehicle this upcoming season.  

What is heat safety?

When winter begins, drivers know there are certain safety measures that must be taken in order to keep driving safely. For one, making sure you have the right type of tires for snow and icy roads. 

Heat safety is no different. It means having awareness that potential overheating can occur due to rising external temperatures. Drivers must take the necessary steps to keep their car cool and protected to ensure life-threatening accidents do not occur.

According to The Zebra, hot car death statistics are more common than you think, especially for small children and animals. Some might think cracking a window helps to cool down a vehicle’s interior, but not even that will work. Therefore, no child or animal should be left behind without proper AC during these hot and humid months. 

With better understanding, drivers can help reduce potential heat risks and easily prevent these types of accidents from occurring this summer. Additionally, drivers can fend off the decaying process of their beloved ride due to the sun’s strong UV light. 

From 80 to 100, real quick  

When outside temperatures reach up to 80 degrees, drivers know that summertime is here to stay. The problem is, the inside of your car will take the biggest hit, with internal temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees within 10 minutes. 

Vehicle interior color is one of the biggest factors leading to heat rising, but any car is at risk of heat exposure. Heat exposure becomes problematic once a passenger is left inside without ventilation. Once a body’s temperature surpasses 104 degrees, a heat stroke or other serious brain injury could occur. 

Although we can’t control the sweltering heat, there are certain tips that help. 

Tips for protecting your vehicle against the heat

Sun shield

This car accessory is one of the most efficient ways of blocking the sunlight from your car interior. Many available products are easy to fold and store in your car while not in use. You won’t regret getting this item, you can even get creative and make your own. Watch this informative video on how to create your own sun shield:

Park in the shade

Securing an upfront parking space oftentimes feels like winning the lottery. But during summer, a shady spot is the best prize. Many drivers don’t fret too much over which parking space they’ll choose. Sometimes a parking lot can be so busy that you are just lucky to find one. 

If available, choose a parking space that is shaded or located under a parking garage. This simple step could help reduce your sun exposure on both the exterior and interior of your car.  

Wax your car

Waxing your car will actually provide better protection against UV rays. The wax actively helps reduce excessive heating inside your vehicle. Next time you’re at the carwash, don’t hesitate to add this feature. You can even do it yourself with the right products.  Waxing has a number of benefits, but most of all, it makes your ride look brand new. 

Prepare your car for the changing temps 

The summer months are a joyous time of year, but safety risks are still relevant. Heat-related accidents are almost always preventable, therefore, it is important to take the initiative to understand heat safety and protect your car and passengers. 

To learn more ways of getting your vehicle “summer ready”, check out this video below.

 

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Michaella Malone
Michaella Malone is a content specialist and full-time freelancer with 5+ years of experience working with small businesses on online platforms. She is a graduate of Florida State University (Go Noles!) and avid traveller, having visited over 25 countries and counting. In addition to blogging, ghostwriting, and social media content, she has contributed to the development of English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculums for international programs.

    2 Comments

    1. the sun is brutal on cars 🙁

    2. I learned about these lessons when I got my first car with leather interior.

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