Heat hazards in parked vehicles

Initial guidance warned that ambient temperatures above 50 °C can turn parked cars into lethal environments, causing interior damage, plastic deformation, rubber dry‑cracking, and danger to children, pets, and perishable items. Experts urged keeping vehicles shaded or in garages, using UV‑protective covers, parking under trees or in covered structures, and selecting summer‑graded tires that resist heat‑induced oxidation. Regular inspection of tires and the use of sun‑blocking window shades were also recommended.

A few days later, the focus expanded to the interior heat buildup that can cause burns on steering wheels, dashboards, and seats. Safety tips emphasized never leaving children or animals unattended, employing sunshades or window curtains, ventilating the cabin before entry and using air‑conditioning to reduce temperatures. Additional measures included installing steering‑wheel sunshades (e.g., the START model) to prevent UV‑induced cracking, parking in shaded or covered areas, and checking the temperature of seats, child‑car seats, and stored items before use. The advice reinforced earlier recommendations while adding practical steps to protect occupants and vehicle components from extreme heat.