How Hot Does a Car Get in the Sun?
2 Answers
The temperature inside the car does not rise significantly; after 30 minutes, it increases by approximately 5–10 degrees compared to the outside temperature. Below is an introduction regarding the temperature inside a car exposed to the sun: 1. Interior Temperature: The temperature inside the car does not rise much; after 30 minutes, it increases by about 5–10 degrees compared to the outside temperature. However, under direct sunlight, the temperature inside the car rises very quickly and can reach an extremely high level in a short time, potentially exceeding the outside temperature by 20 degrees or more. Combined with the lack of ventilation inside the car, the perceived temperature by humans can feel even higher. 2. Causes of High Temperature: The primary cause of high temperatures is direct sunlight. To mitigate this, first, avoid parking in direct sunlight by choosing shaded parking spots. Second, applying UV-blocking window film can immediately reduce the interior temperature by 5 to 8 degrees. Additionally, using a car cover that reflects sunlight can help, as heat transfer through air alone will not raise the interior temperature too much.
I used to park my car outdoors in the summer frequently, leaving it under the scorching sun where the interior temperature could soar to over 60°C, sometimes even reaching 70°C! For instance, last time when it was 30°C outside, I forgot to roll up the windows, and the dashboard got so hot that I couldn't even touch it—the thermometer showed 65°C. It's all because the glass acts like a greenhouse, absorbing heat extremely fast; the stronger the sunlight, the more the temperature spikes. I've learned to use sunshades on the windshield or park in the shade, which can lower the temperature by about 10 degrees. Also, never leave children or pets in the car—it's far too dangerous. High temperatures can also damage electronic devices or leather seats inside the car, so it's wise to open the windows for ventilation or start the AC to cool it down beforehand. Remember, safety first!
