Should You Leave a Gap in the Car Window When Parking in Summer?
2 Answers
When parking in summer, it is not recommended to leave a gap in the car window. Leaving a gap not only fails to help with heat dissipation but also poses significant safety risks. Even a small gap can allow thieves to easily open the car door, leading to property loss and potential damage to the vehicle. If it rains while the window is left open, water droplets can splash into the car, damaging the seats, interior, and accessories. Even on sunny days, dust and debris can accumulate inside the car, making interior cleaning difficult, especially in hard-to-reach corners. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can also cause significant damage to the car's paint, leading to aging, cracking, and fading over time. Therefore, it is best to park in a shaded area whenever possible.
In summer parking, I believe it's best not to leave car windows slightly open, as safety is more important. Having driven for ten years, I've experienced several near-theft incidents due to improperly closed windows, where thieves could easily pry open with simple tools to steal or vandalize the interior. Especially during hot summer days with crowded streets, the risks are higher. Rather than risking leaving a gap for cooling, practical solutions like using a sunshade on the inner side of the front windshield can block most sunlight and significantly lower the interior temperature. Alternatively, parking under trees or in underground parking lots can naturally cool the car. I also make it a habit to check that valuables are stored away before leaving the car, avoiding any temptation for thieves. Safety first—if parked for a while, open doors and windows for a minute or two to ventilate before turning on the AC, letting the hot air dissipate. In short, don’t sacrifice security for temporary comfort; prioritizing anti-theft measures is more reliable.
