How to Keep Your Car Cool Through the Summer Months

1. Park in the shade when you can

Shade is your best friend in summer. Whether parked at work or running errands, grab any spot under a tree, beside a tall building, or inside a garage.

Even a few degrees cooler makes a difference when you get back in. Sunlight doesn’t just raise the temperature inside your car; it also fades your seats, dries out your dash, and can crack your steering wheel over time (ugh).

If no shade is available, use a reflective windshield cover. Those silver shields may not look glamorous, but they block a ton of radiant heat. When you open the door after a day out and about, you’ll be glad you took 10 seconds to put one up, trust us.

2. Tint your windows

Window tinting isn’t all style points, although it looks pretty cool.

A good tint helps keep your cabin cooler and protects your interior from UV damage. Quality film can block a significant chunk of solar heat, making your A/C’s job a whole lot easier.

Professional installation is worth it because bubbles or uneven tinting not only look bad but also degrade performance. Plus, pro installers know your state’s tint limits so that you won’t end up with a ticket. Once you drive a car with tinted windows, it’s hard to go back. It’s like having high-end sunglasses for your ride.

3. Use seat and wheel covers

Nothing ruins your day faster than grabbing a steering wheel that feels like it just came out of the oven. Seat and steering wheel covers made from breathable fabrics help absorb heat and prevent that “ouch” moment when you sit down (and if you have leather seats, oh man).

You don’t need anything fancy, just lightweight materials like cotton or mesh that let air flow. Bonus: they protect your upholstery from cracking and fading, too.

If you really want to take it up a notch, look into ventilated seat covers or cooling cushions. They plug into your 12V outlet and circulate air to keep things cool on the hottest days.

4. Let your car breathe

Cars heat up super fast in summer, up to 130°F inside in just minutes. Cracking your windows slightly lets the hot air escape and stops your cabin from turning into a heat trap.

When you come back, open both front doors for a few seconds before starting the engine. That quick blast of cross-ventilation can lower the temperature and save your A/C from overworking.

If your car has a sunroof, tilt it up and let hot air rise out while keeping rain at bay. Just make sure the area is safe before leaving any windows open, and consider your pets as well; our four-legged friends don’t like the heat either.

5. Check your A/C system early

Few things hit harder than realizing your A/C’s out of commission on a 95-degree day.

To avoid this sinking feeling, have your system checked before summer gets into full swing. A quick inspection can catch refrigerant leaks, dirty filters, or weak airflow before they turn into expensive repairs.

A healthy A/C doesn’t just make you comfortable; it keeps your vehicle running efficiently. When your system struggles to cool, your engine and electrical components have to work harder, burning more fuel and wearing down faster.

Most shops can run a diagnostic in under an hour (!), and it’s one of those maintenance steps that pays for itself in comfort alone.

Keep your cool

Your car’s heat battle doesn’t have to be one you take on alone.

Park smart, block the sun, and take a little time to prep before the real scorchers hit. These simple habits protect your investment and keep your summer rides bearable.

Need help getting your vehicle ready for the heat? Schedule a visit to your nearest Transwest Service Center for an A/C inspection, tint consultation, or complete summer checkup. You’ll be rolling in comfort while everyone else is sticking to their seats.