Park in shade when you can, put a reflective sunshade in the windshield, cover the steering wheel and seats, and consider window tint. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car in Arizona, even for a minute, and even with the windows cracked. A closed car heats up far above the outside temperature, and the danger starts in minutes.
Time: about 10 minutes to set up. Skill: easy.
The one rule that matters most
A parked car can become deadly fast. Cracking the windows open does very little to stop it. Never leave children, pets or vulnerable adults in a parked vehicle.
- Look in the back seat every time you leave the car.
- Put your purse, phone or a shoe in the back seat, so you have to open the rear door.
- If a child is in a car seat, keep a stuffed toy in the front seat as a reminder when the seat is in use.
- If you see a child or pet alone in a hot car, call 911.
What do you need?
- A reflective windshield sunshade that fits your car
- A steering wheel cover or a light towel
- Light-colored seat covers or towels, especially for leather and vinyl
- Optional: window tint (done by a shop)
How do you keep your car cooler?
- Park in shade or a garage. Even covered parking is better than open sun. Plan around where the shade will be when you come back.
- Use a sunshade in the windshield. Unfold it, fit it against the glass and flip the visors down to hold it. The windshield is the largest piece of glass that lets sunlight in.
- Cover the dashboard with a cover or towel. This also helps to protect it from cracking and fading.
- Cover the steering wheel and the seat belt buckles. Metal buckles and dark wheels can burn your skin. Touch them before you let a child sit down.
- Use seat covers or towels. Leather and vinyl get very hot.
- Think about window tint. Tint can reduce the heat and glare that come through the side and rear glass and protect the interior from fading. Ask a tint shop about heat-rejection films, and ask them about Arizona rules for how dark you can go. Do not guess.
- Take out items that do not like heat, such as aerosol cans, lighters, electronics, medicine, candles, sunscreen and water bottles in the sun.
How do you cool a hot car quickly?
Open all the doors or windows for a minute to let the hot air out. A common trick is to open the front passenger window or door fully and swing the driver's door a few times to push air out. Then start the car, run the AC and close the windows. Many people turn on the fresh-air setting first, then switch to recirculate once the air starts to cool.
What heat does to your car
Heat can crack the dashboard, fade fabric and plastic, and make glue peel off interior trim. It can also shorten the life of your battery and tires. Sunshades, tint and shade are all cheap compared to repairs.
When to call a pro
Call a tint shop if you want window tint or film that blocks heat. A professional install avoids bubbles, creases and dust under the film. Here are local tint and wrap shops in the directory, with phone numbers:
Ask what types of film they offer, and ask about legal tint levels in Arizona. You can also ask the helper or browse Phoenix businesses.
Questions people ask
Is it safe to leave a dog in the car for a minute in Arizona?
No. A parked car heats up quickly, even on a day that does not feel extreme. Take the dog with you or leave it at home.
Does cracking the windows help a hot car?
Only a little. It does not keep the cabin safe. It can help vent a hot car a bit, but never rely on it for a child or pet.
Does window tint really keep a car cooler?
Quality heat-rejecting film blocks part of the sun's heat and most UV rays, so the cabin is more comfortable and the AC works less hard. Ask a tint shop about film types and what is legal in Arizona.
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