Summertime is great for kids and teachers, but the luster wears off if you have to work all day and then get back into your baking car for the long ride home. If you are tired of the blast of desert heat that hits you every time you open your door, you can fight back.

To protect your vehicle from heating up too much while you toil away in the office or even shop at the corner store, make sure to:

Use a windshield cover – When you cover your windshield during the heat of the day, you prevent direct sunlight from entering your vehicle. This will not stop your car from heating up entirely, but it can keep the temperature inside a bit lower.

Park in the shade – Whenever possible try to park in the shade. This can replace a windshield cover or add to its effectiveness.

Air out your car before you get in – Since it is not a good idea to leave windows open while you are at work, simply airing out the car before you try to sit down can help. Open the doors on one side and let a few minutes pass.

Use seat cover – If you have leather seats that are hot and sticky, cover them with fabric during the worst of the summer heat.

Staying cool behind the wheel takes a little work during the summer. With a few measures, however, you can beat the heat or at least make it tolerable.