Summer in Australia can be brutal—scorching sun, sweltering seats, and that dreaded blast of hot air when you open your car door. Sound familiar?
Whether you drive every day or just use your car occasionally, keeping it cool in the summer heat isn’t just about comfort—it also protects your interior from sun damage and helps your air con work less overtime.
So, if you’re tired of stepping into what feels like a mobile sauna, here are some easy, budget-friendly DIY tips to keep your car cool all summer long.
1. Use a Windshield Sunshade
This one’s simple but super effective. A reflective sunshade acts like a barrier, bouncing sunlight away from your dashboard and steering wheel. You’ll instantly notice the difference when you hop back in.
Bonus tip: Pair it with rear window sunshades to block even more heat, especially if you’ve got kids or pets riding along.
2. Crack the Windows (Just a Bit)
It might seem counterintuitive, but leaving your windows slightly open (we’re talking just a centimetre or two) allows hot air to escape instead of building up inside. It won’t turn your car into an icebox, but it’ll make it far more tolerable when you return.
Important: Don’t do this if you’re parking somewhere unsafe or during a rain forecast. Use your best judgment.
3. Cover Your Steering Wheel and Seats
Ever tried to drive with a steering wheel that feels like a frying pan? Not fun.
Toss a small towel over your steering wheel, gear shift, or leather seats when you leave the car parked. Light-coloured cloth works best since it reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it.
If you want to go a step further, grab a cheap set of fabric seat covers—they can help prevent those “ouch, that’s hot!” moments.
4. Tint Your Windows
This one’s not quite a DIY job, but it’s worth mentioning. Professional window tinting can reduce the amount of UV and infrared heat entering your car, keeping the cabin significantly cooler.
Make sure you check the legal tint limits in your state or territory first—you don’t want a fine with your cool ride!
5. Park Smart
If there’s shade, take it—even if it means walking a bit farther.
Parking under a tree, beside a building, or in underground parking can drastically reduce the temperature inside your car. And if you’re going to be parked for hours, it makes a real difference.
Tip for sellers: If you’re planning to sell your car soon, regular shade parking also helps prevent paint fading and interior cracking—both of which lower resale value.
6. Open the Doors Before You Drive
Here’s a quick trick: before starting the car, open all the doors and let the hot air out. Then, turn on the AC with the windows slightly down for the first minute. Once it starts cooling, close the windows and enjoy the difference.
This “hot air flush” is super useful after your car’s been sitting in the sun for hours.
7. Use DIY Dashboard or Seat Sprays
Want something extra? Some people use a mix of water and a tiny bit of fabric softener to lightly spray their seats or dashboard before parking. It helps reduce static heat and gives your car a fresh scent too.
Just don’t overdo it—you don’t want damp seats.
8. Invest in a Solar-Powered Fan
These clever little devices use solar energy to power a small fan that circulates air inside your car while it’s parked. It doesn’t chill the cabin, but it helps prevent heat buildup. You can find them online for a reasonable price.
A Quick Story: Mick’s Comfy Summer Commute
Mick, one of our past customers, had a long daily commute with no garage parking. His car was constantly roasting. After a bit of trial and error, he used a sunshade, cracked his windows slightly, and started parking near a big hedge. He swore his car felt 10 degrees cooler.
Simple changes. Big difference.
Final Word
Beating the summer heat doesn’t have to cost a fortune or involve fancy gadgets. A few smart, low-cost DIY tricks can make your ride a whole lot more comfortable—and save your interior from sun damage in the long run.
And if your car’s become more of a sauna than a smooth ride—maybe the AC’s failed, or it’s just not worth fixing anymore—we can help. Sell your old or unwanted car to us for top cash, no roadworthy needed, and same-day pickup.
Stay cool this summer, and if you’re ready to say goodbye to your car, you know who to call!
If you are in Chadstone, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Burwood Cash For Cars
www.burwoodcashforcars.com.au
(03) 7047 6732