Credit: Veni vidi...shoot / Getty ImagesHopping back in a hot car after it's been baking in the sun all day definitely isn't what would be considered the most pleasant experience ever. While there are ways to cool it down faster, you might also be wondering if there are strategies to help your car's interior stay even a bit cooler, especially during the summertime and especially if you live in the South. Luckily, there absolutely are! Here are four tricks for keeping your parked car cooler during the summer.Try Reflective Windshield Sun ShadesReflective windshield sun shades are metallic or silver barriers that you can place in your windshield to keep your car cooler during the summertime. Reflective windshield sun shades work by bouncing sunlight and UV rays away from your car, helping to cool down the cabin temperature. Some high-quality reflective windshield sun shades can drop the interior vehicle temperature up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover Your Steering Wheel And Car SeatsSimply throwing light-colored towels or blankets over your steering wheel and car seats is another way to help keep things cooler inside, as these portions of your car's cabin tend to get the hottest. This will make it far more comfy when you're first getting settled, as the backs of your legs won't feel the burn of the hot seat surface when you're wearing shorts or a skirt. AdvertisementAdvertisementAnother option is to invest in some light-colored seat covers that you can use during the summertime. This is particularly great if you have dark leather seats. This is also a bit more stylish than tossing a blanket or towel on your car seats, too. Crack The WindowsIf possible, cracking your front windows just a half-inch promotes airflow, helping the hot air to escape, and cooling the interior of your car. Of course, there are definite drawbacks to this method, such as making your car more vulnerable to theft or vandalism, not to mention damage in the event of an unexpected rainstorm. However, if you're willing to risk it, cracking your windows can help make things cooler.Park SmartFinally, parking as strategically as possible can make a world of difference when it comes to how hot your car gets in the summertime. When you're out and about, seeking out parking spots with some shade is a great choice. Keep in mind the time of day you're parking, though. After all, your car may be protected by the shade at the time when you initially parked, but may be scorching in the sun by the time you get back.Another strategy is to keep your windshield facing north for as much of the day as possible. This will help keep your windshield out of direct sunlight, keeping interior temperatures lower.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhen parking at home, if you have the option to park inside your garage, this is truly the best option for keeping your car's interior cooler. This way, your car isn't sitting out in the hot sun in your driveway all day. It will be far more comfortable to get inside your car and hit the road fast without feeling like you're melting.Read the original article on Southern Living
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