What is the maximum temperature that can be reached inside a car?
4 Answers
Tests have shown that when a car is parked outdoors in 40℃ high temperature and exposed to the sun for a long time, the temperature inside the car can exceed 70 degrees, reaching up to 90 degrees at maximum. Below are some precautions for car warm-up: Avoid prolonged warm-up: Most car owners believe that the longer the warm-up time, the better. In fact, excessive warm-up time not only consumes a large amount of gasoline but also damages the engine. The correct warm-up method should be to start driving slowly within 30 seconds to 1 minute after starting the car, and accelerate only after the temperature returns to normal. Tire pressure should rather be high than low: Because the external temperature is low, if the tire pressure is too low, the tires will age faster. Besides affecting driving safety and braking effectiveness, it will also accelerate the wear of the tire shoulders and increase the vehicle's fuel consumption. Excessive tire pressure will reduce the contact area between the tire and the ground, increase tread wear, and reduce braking effectiveness. Use warm water to wipe frozen windows: It is common for car windows to freeze in winter, especially after rain or snow. At this time, do not pour hot water directly onto the windows, as it can easily cause the window glass to crack and also make the car paint lose its luster due to sudden temperature changes.
I am particularly concerned about driving safety and have seen many cases where, in hot weather, especially under direct summer sunlight, the temperature inside a car can quickly soar to over 70°C, even approaching 80°C. Such extreme heat is extremely dangerous and can cause heatstroke or fatal dehydration in children or pets within minutes. I have personally tested a car parked in the sun, and within half an hour, the temperature rose from 30°C to over 60°C. Therefore, I strongly advise never leaving anyone or pets in an unattended car. To address this issue, I always park in the shade, use sunshades to reflect sunlight, open the windows for ventilation a few minutes before getting in, or install a solar-powered fan to help dissipate heat. Remember, regularly checking tire pressure and the air conditioning system can also prevent sudden overheating issues, ensuring a safe and worry-free trip every time.
Through some research and practical observations, I've found that the interior temperature of a car can reach up to around 80°C under direct sunlight, primarily due to the greenhouse effect: the window glass allows short-wave radiation to enter, but the heat absorbed by seats and interior materials struggles to escape. Based on data I've reviewed, in hot regions like deserts, the average interior temperature rises by 20-30°C within one hour of parking. Contributing factors include vehicle color (darker shades absorb more heat), glass type, and sunlight intensity. To mitigate risks, I recommend regular maintenance of AC filters, choosing vehicles with light-colored interiors, and avoiding prolonged parking in direct sunlight. Understanding these principles, I always remind friends to check weather forecasts before summer trips and plan parking spots in advance to minimize potential hazards.
Once I drove to the beach for fun and parked by the shore for a few hours with the windows open. When I returned to the car, the thermometer showed 65°C, and the seats were so hot I couldn't even touch them. That experience made me realize how serious in-car high temperatures can be—they can soar to over 70°C on a midsummer afternoon. I've since made some simple changes: I now prioritize underground parking or shaded spots, always keep a sunshade to cover the windshield, and turn on the AC for a few minutes before getting in to cool down quickly. These small habits have helped me avoid more trouble and made driving more comfortable and worry-free.
