Now that the summer is in full swing, Ontario has been seeing some incredibly high temperatures. While going out and enjoying the sun is always great, the unforgiving heat and humidity can be dangerous. So, protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your vehicle from the warm weather is crucial. These heat safety tips will help protect your car in the blistering summer heat.
How can you protect your car from the summer heat?
- Park in shaded areas
- Use sunshades
- Check tire pressure regularly
- Maintain proper coolant levels
- Never leave pets or people inside
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1. Choose a Smart Place to Park to Protect Your Car from Heat Damage
First, whenever you are going out for the day and need to park your car, please note where you leave it. Whenever possible, try to park in the shade. Use trees, buildings, or other large structures to block the sun and prevent your car from overheating. Additionally, consider an indoor or multi-level parking structure to reduce the temperature in the vehicle’s cabin significantly. Also, remember that the sun moves throughout the day, so try to face your car to the west. This tip helps keep the sun off the dash and steering wheel during the hottest part of the day, between 2 pm and 4 pm.
2. Never Leave Vulnerable People or Pets in the Car When it is Hot
Leaving people or pets in the car can be fatal, even for a few minutes. Remember, it will always be significantly hotter inside the vehicle than outside due to the greenhouse effect. Depending on the outside temperature, the cabin can climb to 50 degrees Celsius within minutes. In Ontario, bystanders are legally permitted to enter a vehicle to rescue pets or people in distress. According to PETA, “Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes.” If there is no other option and a capable adult is supervising, be sure to keep either the air conditioning on or the windows open to improve airflow.
3. Tint Your Windows to Assist With Heat Protection
Another option to consider is getting your windows tinted. Not only does it obscure your car’s interior, but it also helps keep the interior cool. However, it is worth noting that there is a limit for tinting the front side windows. In Ontario, the legal limit for tinting is 70% light transmission; however, it is always recommended to check local laws for the most up-to-date information.
4. Wash and Wax Your Car Regularly
Another great tip for heat safety is to wash and wax your vehicle. The UV Rays emitted from the sun can damage your car’s paint over time. You can help combat this by frequently washing your vehicle to remove any grime that may bake into the paint. Also, waxing adds a protective layer against heat damage and sun exposure.
5. Protect The Interior of Your Vehicle to Ensure Heat Safety
It is crucial to protect the interior of your car, especially when it is parked for long periods. A great way to protect your car from the heat is by using window covers or sunshades. These are an excellent option for those travelling with pets or children because they keep the interior cooler and block out UV rays.
Not only can electronics and batteries be damaged or cause a fire risk, but your car’s details may also be damaged. If you don’t have a sunshade handy, using blankets or towels to cover the wheel and seats can be just as effective in preventing them from getting too hot. Not only does this protect the material (especially if it is leather or vinyl), but it also prevents burns from the hot seats. To protect the interior, you can also invest in a dashboard cover to prevent cracking or fading.
Need more tips on protecting your property from the heat? Read our blog on how to keep your home cool during the summer months.
6. Use Remote Start for Ultimate Heat Safety
If your car supports it, use the remote start to help cool it down before you get in. It can help lower the cabin temperature before driving, reducing the risk of discomfort or injury. Check whether your vehicle is eligible for an upgrade to include this function if it does not already have it.
7. Ventilate your Vehicle Before Driving
Next, to cool your car quickly, open all the car doors for a few minutes before driving. Also, if you are not going for long and in a safe area, consider cracking your windows slightly while the vehicle is parked. This heat safety tip will help create airflow and prevent hot air from being trapped. You can turn on the car’s fan with the windows open to flush out the hot air. Then, once the air is mostly flushed out, switch to A/C and enter your vehicle.
8. Protect The Car Battery
Protecting your car’s battery is one of the most crucial steps in keeping your vehicle safe from the heat. High heat can shorten your battery’s lifespan and reduce its effectiveness over time. Have your car battery tested during the summer months if it is more than three years old. Also, to protect your battery, keep all terminals clean and secure to avoid heat-related failures.
9. Maintain Cooling System
Next, check your coolant levels regularly to ensure your air conditioning system works optimally. Ensure your radiator is working efficiently, inspect the belts and hoses for signs of heat damage, and replace your cabin air filter to protect your car from the heat. Remember to check your cooling system to help your A/C run efficiently.
10. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Finally, heat causes the air in your tire to expand, leading to everything from overinflation to tire blowouts. Check your tire pressure early in the morning before you set out for your day. Not only does this help ensure your vehicle is ready to drive, but it also helps check the temperature at the day’s coolest point.
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Some Questions You May Have About Heat Safety, Answered
Why is heat safety important for cars?
Here are some reasons why heat safety is important for cars:
- Prevents overheating
- Protects the car battery
- Lesser chance of A/C system failure
- Maintaining tire pressure
- Prevents fluid breakdown in your vehicle
- Protects the health of those in the car, prevents heatstroke
How hot can a car get in the summer?
A small car exposed to direct sunlight can reach extremely high temperatures, depending on the external temperature. When left in direct sunlight, a car cabin can reach up to 65 °C (150°F).
What happens if someone is left in a hot car for too long?
When in a confined space like a car with rapidly rising temperatures, it becomes difficult for someone to regulate their internal body temperature. Primarily, children and pets are at the highest risk of any of these multiple life-threatening conditions:
- Heatstroke
- Vehicular Hypothermia
- Shock leading to vital organ failure
- Permanent brain damage
- Death
Is it safe to crack the windows open in hot weather?
It is generally not recommended. While the airflow may be tempting, and there may be some temporary cooling and minimal temperature reduction, it does more harm than good.
Primarily, it causes the greenhouse effect, trapping heat inside the car, making it feel even warmer. Additionally, it can make your vehicle a target for auto theft if left unattended and may damage your car’s interior.
Key Takeaways on Car Heat Safety
Protecting your car from the summer heat doesn’t have to be complicated. By parking in shaded areas, maintaining your coolant and tire pressure, using sunshades, and never leaving pets or people unattended inside a hot vehicle, you can significantly reduce heat-related damage and keep everyone safe.
Ontario summers can push vehicle cabin temperatures to dangerous extremes; preparation is the best defence. If the unexpected happens, make sure your auto insurance coverage is ready for it too. At isure, our Ontario-based brokers can help you find the right coverage for your vehicle. Get a free auto insurance quote today and drive with confidence all summer long.
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