Is the Temperature in a Car Trunk the Same as Outdoor Temperature in Winter?
2 Answers
In winter, the temperature inside a car trunk is not the same as the outdoor temperature. The trunk temperature is not high; it is lower than the cabin temperature but higher than the outdoor temperature. During driving, the car's engine and other components generate heat, which ensures that the trunk temperature cannot be lower than the outdoor temperature. Moreover, in winter, the cabin is usually set to heating mode, causing the overall car temperature to gradually rise. Consequently, the trunk temperature also increases slowly as the car starts and continues to drive. Car trunks are typically used for storing items, so if you need to keep frozen goods in the trunk during winter, it's necessary to use ice packs. Do not rely solely on the low winter temperatures to preserve perishable items, as prolonged driving may cause the temperature to rise and melt frozen goods.
I've been driving for almost thirty years, and in winter, the trunk temperature is indeed similar to the outdoor temperature—just as cold as a household refrigerator! The reason is simple: in car design, the trunk isn't equipped with a heating system. It relies entirely on heat conduction through the car's outer shell, so it cools down completely after being parked outside for an hour or two. I've conducted my own experiment by placing a thermometer inside, and the readings were basically the same as the outdoor temperature, especially on bitterly cold nights—the difference was negligible. This calls for attention to the safety of stored items—for example, beverage cans can freeze and burst, or if you're transporting pets, you need to be cautious about them getting too cold. In short, if you want to keep things warm, use insulated bags or park in a garage for slightly better conditions, but don't expect it to get warm. After all, while the material's sealing properties can block moisture, the temperature ultimately follows the weather.
