As summer temperatures soar, so do the dangers of leaving your car unattended. The scorching sun can turn your vehicle into a dangerous furnace in a surprisingly short amount of time, posing a serious threat to anyone or anything left inside.
It's not just summers, more Americans every year are moving to the South, an area with a warm climate and hot weather that can persist all year.
Additionally, with the acceleration of the Industrial Revolution in the 1800’s, global temperatures have continued to rise since and climate trends have become more extreme and unpredictable.
As a result, remote car starters have become a must-have feature for drivers across the US as they find ways to beat the heat.
(Above) Avg global temps have risen since the 1800's. Source: NASA
The Heat Trap
Modern cars are designed to be airtight and efficient, which is great for fuel economy but not so much for regulating temperature. Under direct sunlight, the inside of a car can heat up much faster than the outside air, creating a sweltering environment. Interior materials like leather seats and dashboards can absorb and retain heat, further intensifying the scorching conditions.
In 90 minutes, your vehicle’s interior can heat up to a 48°F difference compared to outside temps. That means if it is 100°F outside, your vehicle can reach up to nearly 150°F in only 1.5 hours!
(Above) Interior vehicle temp vs outdoor ambient temp, 0-60 minutes. Source: CBS NEWS
The Dangers of a Hot Vehicle
Most of us are aware of the dangers of a hot vehicle cabin. For those who are newer drivers, let’s review the threatening effects of a hot car.
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Heatstroke for Passengers: Children and pets are especially vulnerable to heatstroke in hot cars. Their bodies heat up faster than adults and they may not be able to regulate their temperature effectively. Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
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Burning Yourself: Getting into a hot car is one of the most painful experiences of summer. The moment you touch the blistering hot leather seats, you know you're in for a battle. Scalding seat belt buckles sear your skin. The steering wheel feels like a branding iron. Even if you dodge these initial burns, the stifling heat assaults you, turning the wait for the AC to kick in an exercise in sweaty misery.
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Damaged Car Interior: Extreme heat can damage your car's interior. Leather seats can crack, plastic components can warp, and electronic equipment can malfunction under prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Use a Remote Starter to Cool Your Vehicle Down Quickly
While remote car starters are typically known for warming up your vehicle and defrosting the windshield in cold weather, they are also beneficial to use during hot summers.
(Above) Start-X remote starter for Jeep Wrangler & Gladiator
In hot weather, it can take up to 10 minutes to cool your vehicle down to a pleasant level. A remote starter allows you to turn on your car's AC system and bypass the initial 10 minutes of discomfort from the convenience of your home, office, grocery store, place of worship, and more.
This will give you a head start on cooling down the trapped heat in the vehicle’s interior. Stepping into a car that's been pre-cooling for even a short period can be significantly helpful for heat-vulnerable persons like children, elderly folks, expectant mothers, and pets.
Stinger has Start-X remote start kits available for a wide range of vehicles. These kits use easy Plug N Play design and can be installed in as little as 10 minutes. For your reassurance, we have a step-by-step guide on how to install a Start-X remote starter below.
Additional Tips to Help Keep Your Vehicle Cool
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Park in the shade whenever possible. This can significantly reduce the interior temperature rise.
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Sunshades for your windshield and windows. These can help deflect sunlight and keep the car cooler.
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Seat covers. Light-colored, breathable seat covers can help prevent your seats from becoming scorching hot.
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Crack your windows. This is only a temporary solution. If you plan on being away from your vehicle for less than 40 minutes, cracking your windows can keep your car cooler compared to keeping the windows up. After 1 hour, cracking your windows will have no cooling effect.
(Above) Interior vehicle temp of closed vs cracked window. Source: KSHB NEWS
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Tint your windows. Window tinting can help block UV rays and reduce heat gain inside the car. However, tinting regulations vary by location, so be sure to check the laws in your area.
By following these tips, you can keep your car cooler in the summer and make your journeys more comfortable. Remember, the key is to prevent excessive heat buildup in the first place by using smart parking strategies and pre-cooling techniques like remote starters.