how hot does a car get in the sun

It’s a common scene on a summer day: you open your car door and a wave of stifling heat rushes out. The steering wheel is too hot to touch, and the seats feel like they’ve been in an oven. We’ve all experienced this, but the actual temperature inside can be startlingly higher than the pleasant weather outside. Many people wonder just how hot does a car get in the sun, and the answer is crucial for safety and comfort.

The Surprising Answer to How Hot Does a Car Get in the Sun

On a mild 75-degree Fahrenheit day, it doesn’t feel particularly warm. However, the inside of your parked car is a different story. Within just 30 minutes, the interior temperature can climb to over 100 degrees. After a full hour, it can reach a dangerous 115 degrees or more. This rapid heating happens because sunlight enters through the windows, and the trapped energy heats up the surfaces inside your car, like the dashboard and seats. These surfaces then radiate heat, turning your vehicle into a greenhouse.

Why This Heat is More Than Just Uncomfortable

This intense heat isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious health hazard. For children and pets, a hot car can be deadly in a very short amount of time. Their bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s. It’s also hard on your car’s interior, causing materials like plastic and leather to crack and fade over time. Never leave a living thing in a parked car, even for “just a minute,” as temperatures can become lethal faster than you might think.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Car Cooler

While you can’t stop the sun, you can take simple steps to minimize the heat. The most effective tool is a sunshade for your windshield. Using one can significantly lower the cabin temperature by blocking the sun’s most direct rays. If possible, parking in a garage or in the shade of a building or tree makes a dramatic difference. Even cracking the windows open slightly does not significantly drop the temperature, but it does allow some hot air to escape, making it feel less stifling when you return.

Being aware of just how quickly a car can heat up is the first step in staying safe. By taking a few moments to use a sunshade and always choosing shade when available, you can protect your car’s interior and, most importantly, ensure the well-being of everyone who rides with you.