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![]() ![]() A sunshade can help reduce the heat buildup inside a vehicle.
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Summer Tips
![]() Tips to avoid making your car a virtual oven
When the temperature rises outside, the combination of extreme heat, direct sunlight and closed windows can turn a parked car into a virtual oven with dashboard temperatures reaching up to about 89°C.
Recent tests, conducted for Auto Expressions (www.auto-expressions.net), found that on a 31°C day, air trapped inside your vehicle can heat up within minutes. In a parked car without a sunshade, the dashboard can be heated up to 89°C -- high enough to cook a chicken -- and the steering wheel tops out at 88°C.
![]() Additionally, the use of a sunshade helps protect a car's interior, preventing possible fading, cracking or discolouration.
Note: Use common sense and never leave children, the elderly or pets inside your vehicle in the summer heat.
TIPS TO HELP BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT:
• Park in the shade whenever possible.
• Use a sunshade to help reduce the heat buildup.
• Use a fabric-based steering wheel cover to help protect your hands.
• Open doors and let the air circulate in the car for a few minutes before getting into the car.
• Set your air conditioner to 'regular' or 'fresh air' before switching to 'maximum.'
HOW TO REDUCE CAR DAMAGE
• Use a sunshade to help reduce heat and sun-damage in your vehicle.
• Protect steering wheels, dashboard and seats with covers.
• Wash your vehicle regularly and use a wax with a UV absorber.
• Maintain vinyl and leather interiors with a UV absorbent cleaner/protectant.
• Have your cabin air filter and air-conditioning systems serviced annually.
To find out more about tips and products to reduce rising temperatures within the car, visit www.auto-expressions.net.
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