As Nevada’s summer temperatures soar well into the 90s, you probably notice that your vehicle takes a little extra time to cool down after it’s been sitting outside for a while. According to Live Science, after being parked in the sun on a 95-degree day for an hour, the inside of a car hits an average of 116 degrees. The dashboard gets even hotter at 157 degrees, the surface of the steering wheel reaches an average of 127 degrees and the seats are a searing 123 degrees on average.

Unfortunately, that heat isn’t just uncomfortable; over time, it can take a big toll on your vehicle’s interior, exterior and engine. Taking a few extra precautions during the summer can help keep your vehicle safer and more comfortable.

Tips for Protecting Your Car in Hot Weather

Check Your Battery:

High temperatures and use of your vehicle’s air conditioner and blower fan can cause your battery to wear out a bit faster than normal. To avoid being greeted by a dead car battery after a long day of work, have your mechanic check your vehicle’s battery on a regular basis. It’s not out of the normal to change batteries every couple of years in these

Check Fluid Levels:

While it’s always good to be mindful of your car’s fluid levels, including its transmission fluid, motor oil, power steering fluid and brake fluid, it’s especially important when it’s hot outside.

Avoid Direct Sunlight:

When it’s possible, park your vehicle in the shade. If parking in the shade isn’t possible, consider getting a windshield sun protector.

Keep Your Dash Dust-Free:

On a weekly basis, give your dash a quick swipe with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, which can cause tiny scratches that worsen over time.

Use a Leather Conditioner:

As anyone who has sat on leather seats on a hot day while wearing shorts, those seats get hot.

Car Air Conditioning; How to Maximize the Cool

Is Your Car’s Air Conditioning Performing at Peak Capacity?

If you’ve ever driven on a sizzling summer day in Southern Nevada, then you already know what an important job your car air conditioner has. On a 100-degree day, a car’s interior can heat up to about 140-degrees within an hour. Driving around with less than cool, or worse, lukewarm air can make an already miserable day almost unbearable.

Tips on How to Cool Down Your Car This Summer

If your car’s A/C isn’t up to the job of keeping you cool, try following these suggestions to maximize your comfort through the blistering summer months.

Start by Parking in the Shade When Possible:

Although technically, there is no difference in temperature when parked in the shade, being in direct sunlight and the sun’s radiation makes the air inside your car feel anywhere from 10 to 15 degrees hotter. Parking in a shady spot starts the air out cooler, which in turn, helps your car cool down faster.

Open a Window:

If it’s safe to do so, leave your vehicle’s windows open just a couple of inches to let hot air escape.

If parking in the shade isn’t available, create some for your vehicle by putting up a windshield and/or window shades. The bonus to these shades is that they can also protect your dashboard and interior from damage.

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Don’t Pre-Cool Your Car:

Your air conditioner works better when there’s actual airflow running through it. It’s also better for gas mileage and battery life in an electric or hybrid car to wait until the car is moving to turn on your A/C.

If the interior of the car is extremely hot when you first get inside, crack the back windows for up to 20 seconds and turn on the fan. This will force all the hot air out while bringing in cooler air.

Avoid Turning on Max A/C Right Away:

On the hottest days of the year, it can be tempting to set your A/C to the max, thinking that you will get the coldest setting quickly. But did you know that when you set it to the max setting, you are actually pulling air from the inside of the car? Instead of drawing air from inside the car, start by turning the A/C button temporarily off, while putting the fan at its maximum speed. After some of the hot air has left the vehicle, it’s time to turn on the A/C. Once you’ve activated the A/C, then hit the max cool and recirculate the air so that your car is consistently getting cooler air running through it.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter:

Just as the name suggests, the cabin air filters out dirt and dust through the air. As time goes on, they can get dirty or clogged, preventing air from flowing through. Failure to change them out according to your owner’s manual can lead to an overworked A/C system and reduced cooling performance.

Make Sure the A/C Condenser is Clean:

Much like with the A/C filter, dirt and debris can build up along the airflow path, leading to a widely less effective cooling system. Ensuring that it is periodically inspected and cleaned for optimal operation will keep you cool longer.

Check for Any Leaks:

If you notice that your car is taking a long time to cool down, then you may need to have your car’s refrigerant charge level checked. Using a vehicle’s air conditioning unit over a long period of time, especially during an extremely hot summer, can lead to some loss of the system’s refrigerant.