Photo: Caleigh Waldman

Getting into a too-hot car is a familiar summer feeling: wincing while sitting on hot leather, being met with a scalding seatbelt buckle, and willing the AC to kick in faster.

There are some strategies you can use to make getting back into your car on a hot day easier. Parking in a shaded area, cracking your windows, and covering your front seats with a light-color towel are all free tips that can help slow the temperature increase inside your vehicle. But there are also a few gadgets you can keep in your car that can help, too.

Everything we recommend, including an on-sale tiny fan→

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5 potentially lifesaving items to add to any first aid kit Some key add-ons that your premade kit might be missing→

The portable jump starter we use This jump starter has the right safety features and contains enough power to start most cars and SUVs→

The best gear for a roadside emergency After over 60 hours of research and talking with safety experts and mechanics, here are the items we recommend keeping in your car, just in case→

Illustration: Dana Davis

Knowing where to start when it comes to hurricane emergency prep can feel overwhelming, but even small adjustments—like making sure you have a few key pieces of gear and completing a few relatively simple home improvements—can make a big difference. The most crucial items to have on hand are the things that will help you communicate with the outside world, find your way in the dark, and protect your belongings.

Our expert advice→

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