How to Keep Your Car Cool in Summer

May 29th, 2026 by

Black 2026 Lexus NX at the beach

When your vehicle has been sitting in the summer heat, the last thing you want to do is step inside. The overwhelmingly hot air and seats can make even the shortest drives feel torturous. But, when you have an errand to run, it’s a necessary evil. Fortunately, there are ways to help keep your car cool in summer. Read on to get a few tips from Jim Hudson Lexus Columbia’s service center near Lexington, so you can travel more comfortably in summer.

Tips for Keeping Your Car Cool

Follow these steps to mitigate the effects of the heat:

  • Park in the Shade: Parking in a shaded area around Irmo is a good way to keep the temperature in your car as low as possible.
  • Purchase a Sunshade or Window Visors: If you can’t find a shaded area, a sunshade or window visors will come in handy. You can also purchase a sunshade for your rear window.
  • Park in a Covered Area: If you have access to a garage, rather than just a shaded parking spot under a tree, that’s even better. Park in a garage to protect your vehicle from sunlight.
  • Cover the Steering Wheel & Dashboard: The pain of getting into a car during the summer and burning yourself on hot vinyl is real. You can purchase a cloth steering wheel cover, so you don’t burn your hands. Dash covers are also a good way to protect your car’s surfaces from sun damage.
  • Crack Open the Windows: Crack your windows to allow air to move through your car’s cabin. Don’t roll the windows down too much if you’re leaving your car unattended for any amount of time.
  • Protect the Leather Surfaces: In summer, leather can get very hot to the touch, and too much sun exposure can fade the material. Cloth seat covers will protect your leather during the summer.
  • Get Tinted Windows: Tinted windows are a good way to reduce the temperature of your car’s cabin. Make sure you check the laws in your state before you purchase tinted windows.
  • Let Your Car Cool Before Driving: If you can, open the car doors and let your car cool off before heading out for a drive. This will help move the warm air out of the cabin, and allow the cooler air to move in.

Get More Car Care Tips from Jim Hudson Lexus Columbia!

Do you have more questions about how to keep your car cool in the summer? Or, are you looking for genuine Lexus OEM parts like window visors or sunshades? The service team at Jim Hudson Lexus Columbia near Chapin can help! Contact us online or call us at (803)-754-9500, and while you’re here, browse our service specials for the latest offers.

 

More from Jim Hudson Lexus Columbia

  • Are EVs Expensive to Maintain? Electric Vehicles vs. Gas-Powered Vehicles

    With electric vehicles (EVs) growing in popularity, more Lexington drivers than ever before want to learn about the cost of owning an EV vs. a gas-powered vehicle. Are EVs expensive to maintain? What does it cost to own an EV vs. a gas-powered car? And how does the cost of EV repair compare to that…

  • 2026 Lexus ES Trim Levels

    The 2026 Lexus ES trim levels mark a new chapter for this renowned luxury sedan. For the first time, the ES lineup combines a refined hybrid powertrain with two fully electric options, giving Lexington drivers more ways than ever to experience electrified elegance. From the efficiency of the ES 350h to the instant torque of…

  • 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid Overview

    The Lexus NX Hybrid boasts improved efficiency, responsive handling, and refined luxury. If you are thinking about upgrading your vehicle with the latest NX Hybrid, allow the team at Jim Hudson Lexus Columbia to introduce you to the latest version of this model. Below, we will cover the changes to this crossover, its performance, as well as its…