WAYNE, N.J. (July 28, 2016) — Summer continues to heat up, and the rising temperatures are affecting drivers' habits, according to a survey conducted by Hankook Tire America Corp.'s Tire Gauge Index.
Hankook notes that the when temperatures climb above 80 F, the inside of a parked car can reach temperatures of 130 to 172 F.
To help keep their vehicles cool, drivers may opt for shade of convenience when it comes to a parking spot. Of the survey's respondents, 63 percent said they would park in the shade rather than choose a spot closer to their destination. That preference was more common among Americans living in hotter regions of the country — 72 percent of those surveyed said they would choose a parking spot for its shade of over its location.
Parking in the shade may be a good idea, according to Hankook, which reminds drivers that heat also can take its toll on tires. Extreme heat causes the air in tires to expand, resulting in an increase in tire pressure, so it's important to check tire pressure regularly, the company advised.
Extreme interior car temperatures also are dangerous for dogs and other animals that may be left in a parked car, even for a short period of time.
The survey found that 87 percent of American drivers say a dog should never be left in a car, and 81 percent said parking in the shade or leaving the windows open does not excuse the action. Meanwhile, 97 percent of drivers said that if a dog is left in a car, it should be for no longer than 10 minutes.
The intense heat that builds inside a parked car also may cause food to spoil or melt quickly and 78 percent of Americans, according to the survey, have reported experiencing this car-related mishap. Of the respondents to Hankook's survey, 52 percent said they have returned to the car to find chocolate or candy melted.
Each quarter, Hankook conducts a Tire Gauge Index survey which is intended to uncover attitudes and opinions about driving-related issues.
The summer survey was conducted June 24-25 and polled 1,009 randomly selected Americans.