The boot (trunk) of a car is generally cooler than the passenger compartment when parked in the sun because it lacks glass windows that create a greenhouse effect, and the metal lid reflects sunlight. However, it can still become quite hot over time, particularly near the exhaust or in direct sunlight.
Some people will tell you the boot is the coolest place, while others argue it's the floor. The best area is underneath the back of the two front seats because it is darker and cooler. The boot may get hot because it is near the exhaust, and sunlight will get in through the rear window.
The floor tends to be the coolest area, and with the air conditioner on, the car should be cool enough to get you home before the fresh produce wilts and the ice cream melts. The cabin also tends to be better insulated than the trunk. So you'll have a better chance of avoiding extreme swings in temperature.
"In the trunk of your car, there's not going to be good air flow. So if you have your AC running, that cool air is not going to reach the trunk," said Amy Johnson, Food Safety, Statewide Educator, MN.
“The footwells will be the coldest part of the vehicle.” In addition to this, he advised that drivers try to insulate themselves from windows that are cold and that before trying to run the engine for a few minutes every hour to inject some heat in the car, drivers ensure that their exhaust is not blocked by snow.
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What body parts get cold first?
It's your blood that provides warmth to your body, too. So, if your external temperature drops, your body prioritises sending blood (and vital warmth) to your organs to keep them functioning, which reduces blood flow to your extremities. This means your hands and feet are usually the first to feel the chill.
The radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, and heater core are all integral parts of the engine cooling system. Once the coolant draws heat out of the engine, it passes through an upper coolant hose (or “radiator hose”) on its way to the radiator.
If you find yourself trapped in the boot of a car due to an emergency situation like a robbery or kidnapping, or accidentally locked in, you can escape by operating the unlocking device. Remember that the boot is not an airtight space, so try to stay calm and use the unlocking device to get out.
Research shows that while air circulation is better inside the cabin due to windows and vents, trunks are often sealed off from airflow when closed. This lack of ventilation means they can become heat traps, especially if they're filled with dark-colored items or materials that absorb sunlight.
🛡️ Safety standards changed dramatically. The metal divider that held the vent glass introduced a rigid vertical bar close to the occupant's head and shoulders. In a side impact, this could cause injuries or interfere with side airbag deployment. Removing it allowed better energy absorption and safer door structures.
📍Dry Out the Interior: Before going to sleep, wipe down any surfaces prone to condensation, such as windows, to remove accumulated moisture. 📍Moisture Control: Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or desiccants inside the vehicle to absorb excess moisture.
Safety: If you're going to sleep in your car (with the engine off) and the temperature is reasonable, you also need to factor in safety elements. Pick a location that is ideally busy, well-lit, and designed for sleeping (like a rest area or truck stop). It would be best if you also locked your doors.
Is it better to leave car windows open on a hot day?
Myth #2. Leave the window cracked open to keep the car cool when you park. You might think that opening the window a crack will help keep the temperature at a reasonable level. Surprisingly, there is just about a 2-degree difference between a closed window and one that's cracked open.
Hot weather is the most common cause of cars overheating, along with a low coolant level, failing water pump, broken thermostat, or cooling system leak. All of these factors are aggravated by hot weather when your car's air conditioning is running more often.
