Summer Car Hacks: 9 Smart Tips for a Smooth Road Trip
Got a road trip coming up this summer? If you’re road tripping across states or just out to the lake house, these car hacks will make a huge difference. At EpicVIN, we analysed driver behaviour during summer months, reviewed roadside incident reports, and collected advice from thousands of vehicle owners.
Below are our top 9 tips — easy to follow, tried-and-tested, and based on real data.
1. Use a Sunshade – But Place It the Right Way
A sunshade isn’t just about comfort — it protects your dashboard, touchscreen, and seats from heat damage. EpicVIN Search Vin Number data shows a 12% higher risk of dashboard cracking in vehicles exposed to direct sunlight for 3+ hours daily. Choose a reflective sunshade, and make sure it faces outward.
🔍 Pro tip from Reddit: One traveller cut custom-fit reflectors for side windows too. Check it out here.
2. Avoid a Hot Steering Wheel with a Towel or Oven Mitt
It sounds funny — but it works. Just toss a light towel or a clean oven mitt over your steering wheel when you park. You’ll thank yourself later.
According to EpicVIN’s interior temperature tests, a black steering wheel can hit 127°F in 90 minutes on a 90°F day.
3. Pre-Cool the Cabin with This Trick
Instead of blasting the A/C and waiting forever, try this:
- Roll down the passenger window.
- Open and close the driver’s door rapidly 5–10 times.
This pushes the hot air out fast. Only then start your A/C. It cools down your cabin up to 42% quicker, based on EpicVIN vehicle sensor logs.
4. Check Your Tire Pressure — Weekly
Heat makes air expand. A tire that’s fine in spring might overinflate in July. This causes faster wear and higher blowout risk.
EpicVIN’s insurance partners report a 22% spike in tire-related roadside calls between June and August.
Alex Black, CMO at EpicVIN, adds: “Drivers ignore tire pressure until it’s too late. Our data shows blowouts are most common during long drives in 90+°F weather.”
5. Keep a Cooler — Not Just for Food
A small cooler isn’t just for snacks. Use it for baby wipes, spray bottles, cooling towels, even backup phone chargers (which can overheat in glove compartments).
It’s your portable survival box for heat waves and unexpected stops.
6. Freeze Water Bottles — They Double as Ice Packs
Instead of using ice that melts fast, freeze water bottles. They’ll keep your food cool longer, and give you ice-cold drinks hours later.
Reddit users recommend wide-mouth reusable bottles: less mess, easier to sip on the go.
7. Use a VIN Check Before You Hit the Road
Before taking your car on a long trip, run a VIN check. It shows if your vehicle had past flood damage, hidden recalls, or overheating issues.
EpicVIN’s summer 2025 report found that 1 in 7 cars on the road still had unresolved safety recalls — many involving engine cooling or A/C failures.
“Don’t assume the seller fixed everything,” says Alex Black. “A free VIN lookup could save your trip — or your engine.”
8. Organize Cables and Trash Before You Leave
A cluttered car overheats you faster than the sun. Use a shower caddy to organize phone cables, sunscreen, snacks, and wipes. Bring a small garbage pail or bag.
It keeps your focus on the road — not on digging under seats at 70 mph.
9. Download Offline Maps — Heat Drains Phones Fast
GPS apps are battery killers in hot weather. Your phone may also shut off if it overheats on a dash mount. Download offline maps in advance through Google Maps or Waze.
EpicVIN’s heat testing shows that most phones shut down after just 22 minutes of direct sun exposure on the dash.
Final Words
These summer hacks aren’t just about comfort — they help you stay safe, avoid breakdowns, and enjoy the drive. At EpicVIN, we use data from over 1 billion VIN checks and real auction photos to uncover problems before they leave you stranded.
Right before your next road trip, take a minute to confirm your VIN at EpicVIN.com — it is quick, free, and can save you hours of trouble down the road.
Safe journey!
Article written by the EpicVIN Automotive Research Team, July 2025.
