Is the Temperature in the Car Trunk the Same as Inside the Car?
4 Answers
Relatively speaking, in summer, the temperature inside the car is higher than that in the trunk because the front windshield is transparent, allowing external sunlight and radiation to enter the car more easily, resulting in higher temperatures inside the car. The trunk has better insulation performance. Here are some precautions regarding the trunk: 1. Do not place flammable or explosive items: Since the trunk is an enclosed space, the temperature rises very quickly. If you place lighters, hairspray, or other flammable and explosive items in the trunk, the combination of high summer temperatures and long-distance bumps can easily lead to explosions, with unimaginable consequences. 2. Do not place valuables: It is actually very unsafe to store valuables, premium cigarettes, or fine alcohol in the trunk. Thieves are cunning, so you should never leave valuables in the car trunk.
The temperature in the car's trunk is usually different from that inside the cabin. The main reasons include design differences and environmental influences. The trunk is a separate compartment, not directly connected to the air conditioning system like the cabin, so its temperature adjusts much more slowly. In hot weather, such as when parked outside in the summer sun, the trunk can heat up quickly and become a hot oven, while the cabin stays cool with the AC on. Conversely, it may be colder in winter. Another factor is sealing issues—many car trunks have large gaps in the lid or poor insulation, making it easy for hot or cold air to seep in. Driving duration also plays a role; during long trips, the cabin temperature adjusts uniformly, but the trunk may still retain high heat. From personal experience, drinks left in the trunk can feel scalding hot when taken out in summer, while the cabin remains comfortable. This difference is considered during vehicle design to prevent heat from affecting the passenger area. For daily use, I recommend avoiding storing heat- or cold-sensitive items in the trunk to prevent damage.
I've noticed that the trunk temperature is rarely the same as the cabin temperature, which is evident during daily driving. Once during a business trip on a scorching day, the cabin was comfortably cool with the AC on, but when I opened the trunk to get my luggage, a wave of heat rushed out, making the suitcase unbearably hot. The reason is straightforward: vehicle design prioritizes the cockpit, with AC vents concentrated in the front, leaving the trunk lacking direct ventilation. External factors also play a significant role, such as parking in the sun, where the trunk's metal or plastic surfaces absorb heat quickly. Meanwhile, the AC's airflow is mainly distributed around the seating area, neglecting the rear. Seasonal changes amplify these differences, with the trunk being colder in winter and at higher risk of freezing. Solutions to avoid these issues include parking in shaded areas or installing thermal insulation pads in the storage area. These details significantly impact practicality, especially during long trips, where preserving items is crucial.
The temperature in a car's trunk often differs from the cabin due to vehicle structure and environment. Trunks typically have poorer sealing or lack connection to the AC system, making them more susceptible to external temperature changes. In hot weather, such as under direct sunlight, trunks heat up quickly. If the cabin has AC, the cooling effect creates a noticeable temperature contrast. Design factors include separate trunk compartments with AC serving only the cabin. Seasonal variations amplify temperature differences, requiring attention to item storage safety.
