If you’ve ever taken a deep breath before getting into your car on a summer day, you know just how miserably hot the interior can get. Now that the months of heat are just around the corner, it’s time to pick up some tips to help you keep your car as cool and comfortable as possible—even when your vehicle’s parked and you can’t run the auto air conditioning. Here are some tactics that will make those first few minutes more bearable.

How to Keep Heat Out of Your Car When You Can’t Use Auto Air Conditioning

1. Park in the Shade

If at all possible, park your car out of direct sunlight on especially hot days. The sun’s rays are what cause the interior temperature to rise so drastically, so if you’re able to limit their access to your windows, your ride should be significantly cooler. Look for trees, overhangs, or parking garages to block that sunlight.

2. Roll Down the Windows a Bit

The reason the inside of your car is hotter than the outside is that sunlight enters through the windows, heating the air and trapping it in one spot. If you can release some of it, you won’t come back to an oven. You obviously don’t want to leave your windows rolled all the way down when you park your vehicle in public, but opening them an inch can allow some of the hot air in your vehicle to escape without leaving you vulnerable to thieves.

3. Reflect Light Away From the Vehicle

You could also try blocking sunlight from getting into your vehicle in the first place no matter where you park. An aluminum shade that fits beneath your windshield will reflect the sun’s rays back outside. As a last resort, placing a towel over your seats will reduce the amount of heat they absorb. This can be particularly helpful if you have leather upholstery. While none of these tips can bring comfort like auto air conditioning, they’ll do a lot of the work before you even start the car.

Even with all of these tips, your vehicle is still likely to be warmer inside than out. To ensure that you can get comfortable quickly and stay that way, visit Cookeville Tire & Auto in Putnam County, TN, for an auto air conditioning tuneup. The car repair shop offers brakes, tires, alignment, engine, and transmission work in addition to recharging your AC for the heat waves ahead. With more than 25 years in business, you can trust the team to provide reliable service and treat every customer with respect and care. They also offer a two-year warranty for parts and labor, so you can feel confident about your investment. Call (931) 526-9022 or visit the company’s website to request a quote.