There’s no denying we’re having a hot summer. This year the highest global temperature was ever recorded on Earth, setting the all-time record. Then we broke that record again… and again… and again.
It hasn’t been too miserable in the Midwest so far this summer, at least compared to other states. However, the forecast says 101 degrees on Thursday.
We’ve all gotten into the car on a hot summer day and then instantly melt the skin off of our hands by touching a hot steering wheel, and it’s not fun. But have you ever wondered HOW HOT does the steering wheel actually get? Well, that’s why I’m here.
If a car is in the sun for 1 hour in 100-degree heat, the temperature of your steering wheel on average will be… 127 degrees.
Yowza. First-degree burns start at 118 degrees, and second-degree burns begin at 130 degrees. That’s pretty close!
Here’s how hot the rest of your car gets, after 1 hour in 100-degree sun, and it’s pretty eye-opening:
The car’s air temperature… 116 degrees.
The car seats… 123 degrees.
The dashboard: 157 degrees (!!)
There are a few ways to keep your car as cool as possible this summer, starting with trying to park in some shade, if possible. You also might want to invest in a windshield protector or tinting your windows. You can also cover up your car’s interior with sheets. And lastly, crack the windows open a smidge, but watch out for rain! (Been there, done that. Not awesome.)
I’ll just be repeating, “It’s not winter, it’s not winter, it’s not winter” in my head over and over for the rest of the day.
