Is the inside of a car hotter than the trunk?
It’s a common misconception that the inside of a car is hotter than the trunk, but research suggests otherwise. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this difference and explore how cars, especially in the hot sun, can lead to heat-related issues for occupants.
How Cars Retain Heat
Cabs of cars retain heat surprisingly well due to a variety of factors.
- Sunlight and Windows: Direct sunlight heating up car interiors is significant, and this heat becomes trapped because of the absence of outside air circulation.
Indoor Temperature versus Trunk Temperature
What happens if you leave the car open and the inside and the trunk? Not what you might expect!
According to a study on temperature differentials, when the outside temperature is 90°F (32°C), a car trunk can reach:
- A temperature of about 145°F (62°C), which is far from 100°F (38°C) of air in an enclosed space.
- A study by Stanford University also noted that even a cool temperature of 70°F (21°C) can jump to 111°F (44°C) inside an enclosed car!
These examples demonstrate that indoor car conditions can be exponentially hotter due to the entrapment of heat
Influence of Direct Sunlight
Direct exposure to direct sunlight can reach the high temperatures mentioned below. Therefore, it follows that shade and window reflections reduce both heat gain:
Window Tint – An Ideal Solution
Another solution you can consider here is investing in a suitable window shade. This also minimizes heat gain caused by car windows. To save car interior from absorbing sun UV rays, go for professional tinting the glass windshield.