The summer sun can turn your car into what feels like an oven on wheels. If you want to make returning to your parked car a little more bearable on those scorching hot days, use a sunshade.
However, not all sunshades are created equal. If you’re using a flimsy one that doesn’t cover your entire windshield and your steering wheel is still scorching hot when you get inside, it’s not doing its job. A good sunshade will keep the interior of your car cooler and help your AC cool it down to a comfortable temperature more quickly.
Comfort aside, keeping sun and heat out can also help your car’s interior last longer.
Which Side of a Sun Shade Faces Out
Not using a sunshade properly almost defeats the purpose of using one at all. Make sure the shiny, reflective side is facing out.
Some people also suggest reversing it in the winter so the reflective side faces inward to help keep some of the cold out.
Tips for Buying a Sun Shade for Your Car
Importantly, the sunshade needs to fit your car. The simplest way to make sure it does is to measure the windshield and use the size chart on the back of the packaging to find the correct size. Any gaps in coverage will let heat in, so you’re looking for a tight fit without any gaps. You can also opt for custom-fit ones made for your specific make and model.
Not all shades are rated the same, so check the UV ratings. Like with sunscreen, the higher the number, the better the protection.
Always pick a silver reflective shade so it bounces sunlight out. Reflective, multilayer shields will block the most heat, and ones with a thicker foam core will work much better than thin ones.
If your car is often parked in a place where it gets direct sun, consider also buying shades for the rear or side windows.
Sun Shield Alternatives
If you don’t have a sunshade, there are still a few things you can do to make the interior of your car a little more comfortable on hot, sunny days.
When you park, crack your windows slightly to release trapped heat, and turn your steering wheel upside down to keep the top in the shade and protect your hands from a scorching hot wheel when you return.
Keep a large towel or two in your car to cover your seats, center console and dashboard. The towel can also double as a seat protector if you make a sweaty return to the car.
How to Quickly Cool Down Your Car Interior
Start the cool-down process by rolling down the passenger window and fanning the driver’s side door 8 to 10 times to push the hot air out.
If you’re in a hurry, roll down all your windows and start driving.
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