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5 Ways to Keep Your Car From Becoming a Sauna

Tactics, tools, and one weird trick that won’t make you sweat through your seats.

Summer, the time when your car transforms into a rolling Dutch oven, slow-roasting your thighs with those blazing seatbelt buckles. Whether you’re grocery shopping, running errands, or just parking for 20 minutes, it doesn’t take long before your vehicle becomes a certified sweat lodge. But we’ve got your back—and your backseat. Here are five smart ways to keep your car from turning into a portable inferno.

1. Crack It Like It’s Hot (Because It Is)

Let’s start with the simplest fix: airflow. Cracking your windows—just an inch—allows heat to escape instead of building up like a sealed Tupperware container in the microwave. You’re not trying to invite raccoons in, just give hot air an exit plan. Bonus: invest in a pair of window vent visors, which let you crack the windows without rain (or curious eyes) sneaking in. It’s basic physics, but it works like a charm.

THE DATES DECODED

Not all labels are created equal. Here's your cheat sheet:

Sell By – For stores. Tells them when to rotate inventory. You can often eat it days (sometimes weeks) later.
Best By / Best If Used By – The suggested date for peak flavor. Doesn’t mean it’s unsafe after that.
Use By – The only one you should side-eye hard. This is more about safety—especially for perishable items.
Freeze By – Stick it in the freezer before this date if you want to keep it longer. Once frozen, the clock basically stops.