Heat hazards inside parked cars prompt safety tips

Temperatures inside a vehicle left in direct sunlight can rise rapidly, making surfaces such as the steering wheel, dashboard and seats hot enough to cause burns and discomfort. The heat also threatens children, elderly passengers, pets and objects like medicines, electronics and cosmetics, which can overheat or be damaged.

Safety recommendations include never leaving children or animals unattended in a parked car, using sunshades or window curtains to reduce direct solar exposure, ventilating the cabin before entry and activating air‑conditioning to lower interior temperature. Installing a steering‑wheel sunshade or cover, such as the START model, can keep the wheel cool, protect it from UV‑induced cracking and improve driver comfort.

Additional measures are to park in shaded or covered areas when possible and to check the temperature of seats, child‑car seats and stored items before use. These simple steps help prevent heat‑related injuries and protect vehicle interiors from sun damage.