As temperatures across much of England are expected to climb to nearly 30°C today, experts are urging motorists to reconsider where they park their vehicles. Leaving a car in direct sunlight, particularly on driveways that receive sun for most of the day, can cause cabin temperatures to soar rapidly.
Car Interiors Can Reach Over 40°C in Minutes
Experts at Select Car Leasing explain that vehicles act like greenhouses: sunlight passes through windows, heats interior surfaces, and becomes trapped. On a 25°C day, the inside of a car can exceed 40°C within just 30 minutes. With temperatures expected to be higher in some areas, conditions inside parked cars could become even more extreme.
Moving a vehicle into the shade can significantly reduce interior heat, making it more comfortable to return to later. Unlike countries with regular extreme heat, covered driveways and carports remain uncommon in Britain.
Electric Vehicle Owners Face Extra Risks
The AA advises electric vehicle owners to keep their cars out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Lithium-ion batteries perform best between 20°C and 25°C. According to the AA, "Extreme heat is best avoided in storage and in use. But in particular, it's better to keep the vehicle out of direct heat when parked. The battery's thermal management system will cause the batteries to be drained, as the system keeps the temperature down for optimum efficiency."
Tips to Keep Your Car Cool
Experts recommend using reflective windscreen shades to block sunlight before it heats the dashboard and interior. Drivers in safe locations may also leave windows slightly open to allow hot air to escape. Before setting off, airing out the vehicle by opening the passenger-side window and repeatedly opening and closing the driver's door can help force hot air out. When using air conditioning, directing the first blast through footwell vents pushes hot air upward and out more quickly.
