Summer means scenic road trips, summer camp drop-offs, beach vacations, park picnics, and plenty of treat runs. And what do these have in common? They all involve packing everyone up and heading out in your family vehicle.
The family car is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s a central hub for connection, silliness, excitement, and quality time. One day, your kids will feel nostalgic about jumping into the car on a hot summer day and heading off on an adventure with you.
But as fun as those moments are, summer heat can ruin them fast. High vehicle temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable, they can actually be dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of how quickly a car can heat up and what you can do to keep things safe.
To help you better understand the risks of a hot car, we’ve put together effective tips for staying cool. Here’s the Safe in the Seat guide for beating the heat and keeping your car cool all summer long:
How to Keep Your Car Cool in Summer
Keeping the car cool is essential for everyone in the car, but especially for your little ones. A child’s body temperature can rise 3-5 times faster than an adult’s. That means they’re significantly more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, even with a little exposure.
There’s nothing more important than keeping everyone safe in their seats and that goes beyond proper buckling or having a secure installation. It also means making sure everyone stays cool, comfortable, and healthy throughout the ride.
How Hot Does a Car Get in Summer?
Your car’s interior heats up fast in the summer. After 60 minutes, the inside of your car can reach 150°F or more, depending on how hot the air outside the car is. And, the temperature inside the car actually rises the most in the first 10-20 minutes. It happens much faster than most people realize, especially on sunny, hot days.
This rapid temperature rise is extremely dangerous for children. Heatstroke can occur in just minutes, and cracking a window makes almost no difference. That’s why it’s critical to never leave a child in a parked car, even if you’ll just be a minute. It’s never safe!
Each year, an average of 37 children in the U.S. die from vehicular heatstroke after being left in vehicles. This is why awareness matters so much to us at Safe in the Seat. We want everyone to know how to prevent hot car deaths. Though it seems like something that could only happen to a neglectful parent, it can actually happen to any parent!
It's not just the air that becomes dangerously hot, either. Surfaces like dashboards, steering wheels, car seats, and seat belt buckles can reach up to 180°F, causing serious burns. Why does all this happen? It’s a phenomenon called the greenhouse effect. Essentially, sunlight passes through your car windows and becomes trapped, rapidly heating everything inside.
Hot vehicles put your family at risk, no matter how long they may be exposed. So, please take a moment to double-check your back seat and always take your children with you, even for quick errands. Their safety depends on it.
How to Keep Car Cool in Summer
Below, we’re sharing some helpful tips for keeping your car cool during the summer. That said, even when you're following these tips, you should never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. We can’t stress it enough. No matter the temperature or circumstances, your child should always leave the vehicle with you.
Now, here are some practical ways to help keep everyone cool and comfortable while you're on the road:
Shade or Garage Parking
Direct sunlight can really intensify the greenhouse effect, quickly raising the temperature inside your car. One of the best ways to combat this is by parking in a garage or finding a shady spot whenever possible.
(Legal) Window Tint
Window tint isn’t just about preventing people from looking in, it also prevents UV rays from heating things up! In fact, most tint stops 99% of harmful rays, so it’s like sunscreen for your car! By limiting the amount of solar energy that enters, window tint helps keep the greenhouse effect under control.
Note: Make sure you look up the window tint laws in your state before moving forward with this step.
Windshield Visor and Window Shades
A windshield visor and window shades do exactly what the window tint does. It blocks out the UV light from heating the car and causing sun damage. So, if tint isn’t in your budget, shades are the way to go.
Cracked Windows
We mentioned before that cracking the windows doesn’t help much, and that’s true. It only lowers the temperature inside the car by a few degrees. But that minor difference can feel pretty significant when you first get in, waiting for the car to cool down.
To use this method, simply open your car windows slightly when you park. This allows the outside air to push the hot air out, gradually lowering the temperature inside bit by bit.
The Noggle
For some vehicles, getting cool air all the way to the second and third rows can be a challenge. This is especially concerning if you have an infant or young child in the back seat. That’s where the Noggle comes in to save the day!
The Noggle is a long, flexible duct that connects to your front AC vents and funnels cool air to the back rows. It works like a portable HVAC system for your car, making sure everyone stays comfortable. It’s definitely worth every penny!
Car Seat Coolers
It’s not just the air we’re worried about. Car seats can absorb a lot of heat with their usual all-black style and metal buckles. Plus, if the vehicle is hot, the seats heat up faster due to being surrounded by the hot car interior.
You don’t have to put up with the heat of the car seat, though. Instead, throw this Little Bum Cooler or Carats Car Seat Cooler on top. The ice pack will cool the car seat interior and make those buckles safe to the touch. Finally, remove the cooler and strap your child in! You could even use these on your own seats before burning your bottom, especially if they’re leather seats!
However, if you want a more budget-friendly option, you could also freeze gallon jugs of water. Just place them in the seat and head off to your destination! Either method is great for keeping kids comfortable.
Soft-Sided Misting Water Bottles
Not all water bottles are safe for vehicles. In fact, some can become dangerous projectiles in a crash. So, just play it safe and always opt for a soft-sided water bottle. Of course, that’ll keep you safe, but not cool. That’s why we also recommend these misting water bottles. It’s the perfect mess-free way to beat the heat in the summer!
Cooling Neck Towels
Speaking of mess-free ways to cool down, cooling neck towels are amazing tools for the summertime heat. Before you head out, soak the towel in cold water, wring out the excess, and snap it to activate its cooling effect. Drape it around your neck or shoulders to help wick away sweat and lower your body temperature. Cooling towels are reusable, easy to store, and perfect for summer trips!
Keep your kids cool and safe this summer!
Summer adventures are best enjoyed when everyone stays safe and comfortable, especially the little ones. (That’s why we shared our summer safety tips at the beginning of the season!) Keeping your car cool is not just about comfort; it’s about protecting your family from serious heat-related dangers. By using simple tips, you can beat the heat and make every trip joyful and stress-free.
For more in-depth advice on car seat safety and family travel, check out the Safe in the Seat blog. Beat the heat, drive smart, and make this summer your coolest yet!
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