In summer temperatures, the interior of parked cars can heat up quickly and reach over 60 degrees in no time. An extreme strain on the circulatory system.
That’s why children and animals should never be left in the car in summer conditions – even if you leave it for a short time.
effective sun protection
Even an open window has no appreciable effect on the temperature, as air circulation is very low. Even lowering the sun visors or cooling the car with the air conditioner before parking does not help enough.
Use the air conditioner correctly
The best protection from the heat is a shaded parking spot, but finding one is not always possible. Cardboard umbrellas placed behind the windshield in the interior are a simple and useful measure. They reduce the temperature in the panel by up to 20 degrees and more.
However, aluminum coated sheets work even better, which are stretched across the outside of the windshield and clipped onto the doors. They have the additional advantage that the very large windshield does not heat up and the heat radiates inward. So-called heat-insulating glazing has almost no influence on heat. This can only decrease the interior heating by a few degrees. The most effective means of quickly combating the heat is air conditioning.
In addition, protective cardboard or foil should be used, because the air conditioner creates a comfortable temperature much faster and more efficiently. Do not cool the vehicle too much – in addition to wasting energy, excessive temperature differences when getting in and out put a strain on the body.
Final tip: On longer journeys, it is essential to take regular breaks outdoors, preferably in a shady car park – this reduces tiredness and lack of concentration. When stopping, the club recommends turning off the engine and opening all windows.
The author: Dieter Lepschy is head of the emergency and base services department of ÖAMTC Upper Austria.