Credit: Shutterstock / DimaBerlinCredit: Shutterstock / DimaBerlinPeak summer temperatures can feel oppressive, especially during a heat wave. Sometimes, it might be difficult to fathom that the temperature inside your parked car can be more than 30 degrees warmer than the air outside. In some conditions, this is hot enough to melt plastics and destroy electronics. Because of this, you'll want to find as many ways as possible to keep the inside of your parked car cool in the summer.Some of the best ways to keep a car cool in the summer include using reflective sun shades, adding window tints, and parking in the shade. Utilize your garage whenever possible, or build a covered structure in your driveway. Avoid parking in open lots in the afternoon, and consider purchasing a light-colored car or covering your dark upholstery and steering wheel.AdvertisementAdvertisementYour car's interior can turn into an oven when exposed to the summer sun. Not only does this make getting into your car uncomfortable, it can also damage any items left on the seats or glove compartment and be lethal for pets or anyone trapped inside. If you're sick of stepping into a steaming hot automobile, keep reading. Below is a list of all the ways to keep your parked car cooler during the summer.Five Factors Why Your Car Becomes Hot In The Summer1. ClimateYour location and weather have a major impact on how hot your car can get in the summer. For example, if you live in a cooler climate with frequent rain and cloud cover, it's less likely to reach dangerously high temperatures. In a desert climate with direct sunlight, your car may feel extremely hot inside almost every day. Where you live can affect the methods you need to keep it cool.2. ColorThe color car you choose isn't just a stylistic choice, it's also a practical one. Darker colors absorb heat. Expect black and other dark colored cars to be extremely hot when parked in the sun, especially during a heat wave. Lighter shades, especially white, reflect sunlight. They will still become warm, but they will not get nearly as hot as darker hues.3. Upholstery And InteriorIn addition to the car's exterior, consider the interior. Leather (especially dark colours like black) can get very hot in the sun. Other upholstery is less likely to heat up as much. The color of your car's dashboard and wheels can also impact how hot the vehicle feels when you get into it in the summer.4. Where It's ParkedSince sunlight is the top contributor to the temperature increase inside your car, its location can make a huge difference. Parking in the shade or in a covered structure will keep the interior temperature close to the air temperature. Completely exposed to the afternoon sun, the interior can be more than 30 degrees hotter than the air outside.5. Window ProtectionsCar windows can act like a magnifying glass, turning it into an oven of sorts. With UV protectant and tinted windows, your car won't feel nearly as hot. Using reflective shields regularly can also make a difference.10 Ways To Keep Your Parked Car Cooler1. Sun ShadesOne of the best ways to keep your car cooler in the summer months is to get into the habit of using a sun shade.These reflective shades on your windshield is a great way to keep extra heat out of your parked vehicle. The key is consistency. Find a sun shade that is easy to store and simple to set up. It will not only keep your car cooler, but will also help protect the interior.2. Tinted windowsTinted windows are often purchased to give drivers additional privacy. While this is certainly a selling point, it's also great at keeping your car cool in the summer. A tint helps reflect sunlight and block infrared radiation. Some products are better than others at keeping your car cool. Metalized and ceramic films are particularly good when it's hot and sunny.3. Cover Steering Wheel And UpholsteryMost steering wheels are dark-hued, and upholstery tends to be the same, often to reduce the appearance of stains. While dark colors may help hide spills and marks, they can also significantly heat your vehicle in the sun. To combat the heat, cover the upholstery and steering wheel with light-colored seat covers, which will also help keep them clean and looking new. Many steering wheel covers help reduce heat and also make the wheel softer on your hands.4. Find ShadeOne of the best habits to develop when parking your car in the summer is to find a shady spot. Whenever possible, park your car under a protected structure. If this isn't possible, seek out trees. Since the sun is the main reason your car gets so hot in the summer, keeping it out of its direct rays will keep it cooler. 5. Park In The GarageIf you own a garage, make ample space to park your car in it in the summer. Instead of using it as a storage hub, clear enough room for your vehicle. Your garage might not be completely climate-controlled, but it will keep the interior cool. 6. Build A CarportIf you don't have space in your garage or don't have a garage at all, consider building a structure in your driveway to block the sun. You can buy a simple carport for your driveway or turn it into a DIY project. Either way, an overhand can help protect your car from the sun and heat.7. Open Windows (When It's Safe)If you live in a gated area or park in your garage or another secure location, consider leaving your windows open a crack before parking. If there is no risk of theft, cthis is a fantastic way to let outdoor air into your car, helping prevent it from getting too hot, even on sunny days.8. Avoid Exposed Parking LotsOne way to keep your car cool is to plan your errands around the time of day. Whenever possible, venture out in the morning and early evening, when the temperatures are cooler and the sun is less strong. Avoid parking in an exposed lot in the middle of the day if your schedule permits.9. Light-Colored CarIf you live in a sunny climate and are sick of opening your car door and feeling a blast of hot air, it might be time to rethink the paint color. Since lighter colored cars heat up less than darker ones, consider buying a white or lighter-hued car the next time you need a new vehicle. If your car needs a paint job, go lighter, as it will help keep your car cooler.10. Air Out Car Before Turning On ACIn addition to finding ways to keep your car cooler when it's parked, you also need to know the best way to cool it down quickly and safely once you turn it on. While it can be tempting to blast the air conditioning, resist the urge. Before you turn on your air conditioner, open the doors, or roll down the windows to give your car a minute to cool off. Doing this can drop the temperature rapidly, and will take a lot of stress off your car's air conditioner once you start running it.Summing Up How To Keep Your Parked Car Cooler This SummerWhen your car is parked in the hot sun all day, the interior can reach dangerous temperatures, often 30 degrees higher than the outdoor temperature. The extreme heat can damage your car's interior and make it very uncomfortable once you get into your vehicle. To help keep your car's interior cool, park in the shade whenever possible. Utilize your garage, or install a covered structure in your driveway to block the sun. Cover the dark upholstery with a lighter fabric, invest in sunshades, or install quality tinted windows.Related Guides:How To Quickly De-Ice Your CarHow To Protect Your Car From Ice And Snow Without A GarageHow To Protect Your Car From Hail