Troubleshooter: Keeping your parked car cool

Article content

We’ve pretty much all had the displeasure of getting into a vehicle that’s been parked outside on a sweltering hot day. Getting the load of hot air out isn’t too much of a task:  pop down one window, swing the opposite door a few times, and you’re off. But what about all the heat trapped in soft seat upholstery, floor coverings, and the acres of plastic and chrome? Not only does all this material take time to cool down, but long-term exposure to the sun’s rays through various glass surfaces (with their magnifying effect) can take its toll on the lifespan of almost all interior materials. Plastics can become brittle and their colours will fade. Upholstery will fade and exposed stitching can weaken. Climate change analysts tell us we can expect more of these extremely hot days that create mini heat-domes inside our rides.

Article content

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Troubleshooter: Keeping your parked car cool Back to video

One of the cheapest and easiest methods of beating the heat in your car is with the use of well-fitting and easily deployed sunshades. These eliminate the need for covering your dash’s top and with some strategic parking (having the windshield face the sun for the larger part of the day) they can be the only solution you’ll need. They’re available in most auto-parts and accessory shops costing as little as $15.

But windshield shades don’t do anything for door windows and can’t be fitted tightly to vertical rear windows such as  those in most SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. Tossing a car blanket on seats can be helpful. Door, hatch-back lid and lift-gate windows can be fitted with roll-up shades that attach with suction cups. The downside to most of these is their interference with moving door glass panes, and to some, a tacky add-on look. They can also restrict vision enough to create a safety risk which is why they’re not usually recommended for front doors.

Article content

Window tinting is an option, but not one that many vehicle owners would tackle on their own. One of the downsides with tinting is the difficulty in removing it when it’s no longer desired or becomes damaged. Film companies such as Gila and others are now offering static-cling tinting sheets that peel off as easily as the screen cover on a new smart-phone. 2’ X 6.5’ sheets are available at Canadian Tire for $40. Many DIYers will try this type over traditional film.

Remember that interior vehicle temperatures can reach fatal levels for living creatures within just a few minutes on a hot sunny day. Even with the best sun protection measures you can use, keep pressurized aerosols and any liquids in sealed containers that can expand with heat out of the vehicle during this type of weather as much as possible.