How to Keep Your Car Interior Cool in Extreme Summer Heat
Summer heat can destroy your interior fast—cracked dashboards, faded seats, and unbearable temps. Here's how to protect it all.
Why Summer Heat Destroys Car Interiors
Excess heat and UV rays bake your dashboard, leather, vinyl, and plastics. Temperatures inside a car can exceed 140°F in direct sun, leading to:
- Cracking, fading, and discoloration
- Warped dashboards and steering wheels
- Overheated electronics and airbag covers
- Lingering heat odors and baked-in grime
🚗 5 Ways to Keep Your Car Interior Cool
1. Use a Sunshade (Seriously)
A quality windshield sunshade is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to reduce interior temperature and UV exposure.
2. Tint Your Windows
High-quality window tint blocks up to 99% of UV rays and drastically reduces heat. It’s legal in most states with proper VLT percentages.
3. Crack Your Windows
Even an inch or two helps hot air escape. Just be mindful of security if parked in public spaces.
4. Use a High-Quality Interior Detailer
Complete Cabin Cleaner from Jimbo’s Detailing is ideal for summer. It cleans AND protects with no streaking or greasy finish—safe for all interior surfaces even in high temps.
5. Cover High-Wear Areas
Use a towel or dash mat to shield steering wheels, leather seats, or touchscreens when parked outside.
🔥 Pro Tip: Cool It Before You Drive
Open all windows and doors for 30–60 seconds before turning on the A/C. This vents the trapped hot air so your cooling system isn’t fighting a furnace.
What NOT to Use in Hot Interiors
- Avoid greasy or oily dressings—they’ll streak, melt, and attract dust.
- Don’t use harsh APCs that dry out materials.
- Never clean hot surfaces—let them cool down first to avoid damage or staining.
Best Product for the Job
Complete Cabin Cleaner is made for hot climates. It won’t streak, won’t leave residue, and works on dashboards, touchscreens, seats, and door panels. Leaves a clean, matte OEM finish—even in the heat.
🧼 Recommended Products:
- Complete Cabin Cleaner
- Scrub Buddy Pad 3-Pack – For deep cleaning interior texture
- Everyday Microfiber Towels
