Know the Danger
How Hot Is Too Hot?
A car's interior temperature can reach deadly levels within minutes — even on a mild day with the windows cracked.
Never leave a pet or child in a parked car — not even for a minute.
10 min
Time for a car to reach dangerous temps on a hot day
19°F
Average temperature rise in the first 10 minutes
~0%
Difference cracked windows make to interior temperature
107°F
Body temperature at which death is likely for pets and children
Cars Heat Up Fast
On a 70°F day, the inside of a parked car can reach 104°F in just 30 minutes. On a 90°F Arizona day, interior temps can soar past 160°F. Cracking the windows makes almost no difference.
Interior Temperature Over Time
Understanding the Danger Zones
Caution
Below 104°F
Heat stress can begin for pets and young children. Never leave them unattended.
Dangerous
104°F – 120°F
Heat exhaustion and organ damage can occur rapidly. This is a life-threatening range.
Fatal
Above 120°F
Death can occur within minutes. Brain damage begins at 104°F. At 107°F, death is likely.