Why your car becomes dangerously hot in summer heat
When air temperatures reach 90 to 100 degrees, the inside of a vehicle can climb well above 130 degrees.
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What to Know
A parked car can become dangerously hot in just minutes, even when outdoor temperatures are "only" in the 90s.
When air temperatures reach 90 to 100 degrees, the inside of a vehicle can climb well above 130 degrees.
Cracking the windows provides very little relief and does not prevent dangerous heat buildup.
Children, pets and older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness inside vehicles.
How fast does a car heat up?
As another stretch of dangerous heat settles across the region, it is important to remember that the inside of your vehicle can become life-threatening much faster than many people realize.
When outside temperatures are around 90 degrees, the interior of a parked car can climb past 110 degrees in about 20 minutes. After an hour, temperatures can easily exceed 130 degrees.
If it is 100 degrees outside, interior temperatures can soar to around 120 degrees in just 20 minutes and may approach 140 degrees after an hour, depending on sunlight, vehicle color and interior materials.
Even on days that do not feel exceptionally hot, vehicles act like greenhouses. Sunlight enters through the windows and becomes trapped, causing temperatures inside the cabin to rise rapidly.
Why this is so dangerous
Extreme heat inside a vehicle can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. A person’s body temperature can rise rapidly in these conditions, especially for young children, pets and older adults, whose bodies are less able to regulate heat.
Rolling the windows down slightly does little to slow the heating process and should never be relied upon as a safety measure.
How to stay safe
Never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Always check the back seat before locking your car and walking away.
If you see a child or pet alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately.
Keep water with you and allow extra time for your vehicle to cool before getting inside.
Use a windshield sunshade when possible, but remember it will not eliminate dangerous heat inside the vehicle.
With dangerous heat in the forecast, taking a few extra precautions can help prevent a life-threatening situation.
