Protect Your Car from Heat in San Antonio, TX

5 Tips to Protect Yourself From The Texas Heat

Every driver has experienced the discomfort of opening the door to their vehicle and feeling a wave of hot air billow out. It’s a common occurrence for many drivers in San Antonio where the sun can be unforgiving and the humidity is just as high as the temperature. But it’s not just uncomfortable, the sun and the heat it brings can be damaging to both you and your vehicle. Here are a few ways you can protect both.

Invest in Sun Protecting Accessories

Leather trim, leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel or shift knob are all common features in the Hyundai models and while these materials are both durable, stain-resistant, and aesthetically appealing, they also hold heat. No one wants to grab hold of a sizzling leather-wrapped steering wheel. In addition, the Texas sun can also be damaging to these materials. One way to keep your hands and the materials in your cabin safe is to invest in accessories that will block out the sun. Sun shades, window visors, and reflective car covers can block harmful UV rays that can cause damage to the leather material in your vehicle and keep your car cool as well.

Seat covers are another great accessory that can do more than protect your upholstery from spills. Covering your seat, steering wheel, and any other parts of your interior that have dark materials can lower the amount of heat your car absorbs and protect the materials from sun damage.

Use Hyundai Bluelink® Remote Start

Modern technology just keeps getting better and no one knows that more than a Hyundai driver. If your Hyundai model has Hyundai Bluelink® take advantage of the remote start feature to start your car and set the climate control temperature a few minutes before you plan to climb inside.

If you don’t have remote start features you can still take advantage of some of the modern advancements in solar power. You can purchase a relatively inexpensive solar-powered fan and attach it to the top of a rolled-up window to continuously pull in the slightly cooler air from outside of your vehicle.

Choose Your Parking Spot Wisely

If it’s possible, it’s best that you park your vehicle in a shaded area such as a garage, carport, or under an awning. However, most public businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants don’t have covered parking areas. In those situations, you can strategically park your vehicle in the shade of a building or under a tree.

Let the Hot Air Out Before Your Start Your Trip

If the previously mentioned solutions aren't feasible for you, there are still effective ways to cool down your car. Start by opening all the doors for several minutes before you get inside. This simple step allows the hot air that’s been trapped inside to escape, making a noticeable difference in the interior temperature.

After airing out the car, as you begin to drive, roll down the windows completely. This will create a cross-breeze, allowing fresh, cooler air to circulate through the vehicle. As the outside air flows in, it will help to quickly reduce the temperature inside the car. Once the interior starts feeling more comfortable, you can then close the windows and switch on the air conditioning for a more controlled and sustained cooling effect.

Hyundai offers vehicles with comfort features like ventilated seats, remote start, dual- or tri-zone automatic climate control, and more. If you’re shopping for a new vehicle that will help you make it through the Texan summers, visit us at Red McCombs Hyundai. We’ll help you find a model that will keep you cool all summer long.