PHOENIX — It takes mere minutes for the temperature inside your car to rise to dangerous levels, not to mention it is downright uncomfortable.
These six hot-car hacks can help you tone down the heat during your drive:
1. Parking under any kind of shade definitely makes a difference. Walking a little further in the sun so your car can sit under a tree or covered parking will pay off on the drive home.
2. Make a habit of putting up your window shade. No matter how short your stop is any amount of time you filter the direct sunlight will slow the heating process.
3. Bring a frozen bottle of water along for the ride. Wrap the bottle in a small hand towel and put it behind your head to help cool your body down. When it thaws out, you have a fresh bottle of water to hydrate during your drive.
4. Foam koozies aren't just for cans! Put them over your gear stick to hide it from the sun or use it to protect your palm when you drive again.
5. When you park, turn the steering wheel so that when you get back in and start the car, the cooler part of the wheel ends up rotating back on top. Just be careful not to do too much "dry steering," which can be bad for your vehicle.
6. Keep beach towels in the car to cover the driver's seat and the car seats if you're toting kids around.
Of course, you can't beat a blast of ice-cold A/C, but a little extra prep will make the wait for that cool-down a little less painful.
