Wednesday, July 16, 2014

9 Simple Tips for Keeping Your Car Cool This Summer

Teton Motors wants you to get the most out of your summer vacation.  Follow these nine simple tips for beating the heat, and you won’t get burned by the summer sun.  Not all drivers enjoy the smoldering intensity of the midsummer sun, especially when they have to step inside a car that has been parked in the heat for any period of time.  Let us help you deal with that smoldering Jackson heat.

1.  Use a dash cover.  A dash cover made from upholstery or fabric can go quite a ways towards making your car’s interior more comfortable.  The heat won’t feel nearly as overwhelming, especially when you touch the hot surfaces of the dash.  Covers also protect the vinyl, which are sensitive and prone to damage from the sun, which leads to cracking and fading.

2.  Use a hand towel to cover the steering wheel.  I think we can all agree on the importance of holding the car’s steering wheel, right?  It’s a terrific idea to cover the steering wheel with a small towel, even when using a sunshade.  This will make driving a bit more bearable, and no longer will driving in the heat feel like you’re removing a pan from the oven without mittens.

3.  Park in a shady area.  This one may be the most obvious tip on this list.  Whenever possible, park in a shady area, even if it means having to walk a few feet further.  This is especially true when parking for a long period of time to look at cars at Teton Motors.  Parking in some shade will limit the effects of the heat, and in some cases, might make your car’s cabin seem like an igloo.

4.  Use a sunshade or window visor.  Although we’ve listed this at #4, this is one of the more important tips we can give.  This is simple, affordable, and only takes a few seconds to flip the sunshade against your windshield.  If planning to look at cars at Teton Motors (or parking for any extended period of time, for whatever reason), we highly suggest putting a sunshade on the rear window, too.

5.  Keep your previous possessions out of the sun.  Most things we love don’t share the same love for the sun.  CDs, electronics, or any other delicate items in your car should be stored away from the path of direct sunlight.  This means leave some room underneath seats, in the glove box, or in the trunk.  You might even consider throwing a blanket over the more expensive possessions.  This will not only get those items out of the sun, but will also hide them from potential thieves.

6.  Purchase a solar-powered fan.  Pairing a solar-powered fan with cracked windows is a good way to make a hot car feel quite pleasant.  These fans promote air circulation, constantly working to blow hot air out of the cabin.

7.  Park in a garage when possible.   Whenever possible, park in a garage.  A car in a warm garage is much better than one out in the sun.  Get your car out of the direct sunlight and into the shady comfort of a rooftop.

8.  Keep windows slightly cracked.  While we at Teton Motors would never suggest someone to leave their windows wide-open while away from the car, we might suggest the idea of leaving them cracked, ever-so-slightly.  Just be sure the crack is small enough to prevent any-sized arm from entering it.  Even this small crack will help keep your car cool by providing ventilation.


9.  Throw blankets over your seats.  Vinyl and leather seats can become especially toasty if held under the blistering sun.  Throwing blankets over the seats will keep them cool and pleasant.