Closed Cars

A few years ago my laboratory was requested to determine the temperature that an object could attain in a hatchback-style car in the sunlight with all windows closed. This test was done in Los Angeles on a sunny day, with the air temperature in the mid- to high-80s and only vagrant, light breezes. The test object was an aerosol can placed in the hatchback area, where it was constantly exposed to direct sunlight. A calibrated thermocouple was attached to the can and the temperature monitored throughout the day.

At about 3 p.m., the temperature of the can was 193 degrees Fahrenheit.

C.A. CRUTCHFIELD

La Crescenta