Why cabins get so hot
A parked car in strong sun heats up fast. Dark seats and a dark dashboard store heat. The air conditioner has to fight a lot of heat just to catch up.
Start earlier, not longer
Start the car a few minutes before you leave. Leave the air conditioning on a cool setting and the fan on high so it begins strong.
Window and seat strategy
Crack windows slightly while parked in safe places, use a sunshade and leave the seat covers in good shape. A window module can close windows from the remote.
Safety first
Never leave a child or a pet in a parked car, with or without remote start. A remote-started car can shut down on its own and heat up again.
Where it saves the most
Leather and dark vinyl can get hot enough to be uncomfortable to touch. A few minutes of air conditioning before you get in takes the edge off the steering wheel, the seat belt buckle and the seats. It also means the first minute of the drive is calmer.
Quick answers
How long should I run the AC before I go?
A few minutes is usually enough to take the edge off.
Does remote start waste fuel?
Idling uses fuel. Use only what you need.
