Tips for Keeping Your Parked Car Cool During Louisiana Summer

by | Jun 21, 2023 | Auto

 

With summer weather officially here in Louisiana, it is important to be aware of how the sweltering heat and humidity can affect your car while parked. The blistering temperatures can make your car unbearable to step into and potentially damage its interior components. 

Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or embarking on a road trip, these essential tips below will help you maintain a refreshing oasis inside your car amid the relentless Louisiana sun for a more pleasant and safer driving experience. Read on!

5 Tips for Keeping Your Parked Car Cool 

Use a Windshield Sunshade and Install Window Tints

Investing in windshield sunshades and window tints can make a world of difference in keeping your car cool this summer.

Windshield sunshades act as a barrier, preventing direct sunlight from entering your vehicle, which can keep your car a few degrees cooler. 

Window tints, on the other hand, help to block the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat that accumulates inside the car, and keeping it cooler and more comfortable. However, be sure that you follow local laws and regulations regarding tinted windows. 

There are various types of sunshades and tints available, so you can choose the ones that suit your needs and preferences. 

Park in Shaded or Covered Areas

Parking your car strategically can significantly impact its internal temperature. Whenever possible, look for shaded parking spots to shield your vehicle from the sun’s direct rays. Consider utilizing parking garages or covered structures, which provide natural shade. 

Keep the Windows Slightly Open

One simple yet effective method is to leave the windows slightly open. This small opening allows hot air to escape, reducing the overall temperature inside the car.

Additionally, it helps minimize the greenhouse effect, which occurs when sunlight enters the vehicle and gets trapped, intensifying the heat. 

Make sure that the window opening is small enough to prevent unauthorized access or rainwater from entering the vehicle.

Use a Dash Cover

A dash cover is a protective accessory that is placed over the dashboard of a vehicle. It serves as a shield against the sun’s intense rays, which prevents direct exposure to the dashboard and interior surfaces and helps reduce the buildup of heat inside the car. 

As an added bonus, it also offers protection against potential damage caused by UV rays, such as fading or cracking of the dashboard. Make sure you choose a dash cover made of fabric or upholstery. 

Cover Leather Seats with a Blanket

Leather seats tend to absorb and retain heat, making them uncomfortably hot to sit on when exposed to direct sunlight. Draping a blanket over the seats will provide a barrier between the leather and the sun’s rays, significantly reducing the temperature buildup.

It’s best to choose a lightweight and breathable blanket to avoid trapping heat underneath it.

Read also: Caring for Your Car in the Summer

With these above tips, you can keep your parked car cool even during the scorching Louisiana summer heat. 

Now that you know how to protect your car from the summer heat, let us help you find the best car coverage to fully protect your vehicle. If you are in search of car insurance in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Franklin, Abbeville, or Lutcher, LA, contact our team at TSL Insurance Group for a free quote!

Our dedicated Risk Advisors would be more than happy to help you find the coverage best suited to your needs. Stay cool and safe on the roads!