So, you’re eyeing up a sleek aluminum shift knob to give your car’s interior that extra bit of oomph. But hold on! You’ve heard whispers about these metal marvels turning into miniature furnaces in the summer and ice blocks in the winter. Is it true? Will an aluminum shift knob leave you with scorched or frostbitten fingers?
Let’s dive into the hot (and cold) topic of aluminum shift knobs and temperature.
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The Truth About Aluminum and Temperature
Okay, let’s be real. Aluminum does conduct heat and cold pretty efficiently. This means that yes, your aluminum shift knob will likely get hot when your car’s been baking in the sun and cold when the temperatures plummet.
But before you ditch your aluminum dreams, let’s hear from some real-life drivers:
“Yesterday was the first day ever that it was too hot to touch…it was like 35 degrees Celsius outside all day, and I have no tints…” This driver found their black metal knob only became unbearably hot in extreme heat.
“In the winter it is very cold and the summer it can get very hot, especially when the car is parked in the sunlight for a long time during a hot day. Last week it hit 40 degrees C up here and I didn’t get burned.” Another driver with a polished aluminum knob confirms the temperature changes but hasn’t had any issues with burns.
“Shifting the car is only uncomfortable at first. The aluminium transfers heat very quickly and after a two or three minutes of use, the knob’s temperature gets comfortable.” This driver points out that aluminum also cools down quickly once you start driving.
Tips to Use Aluminum Shift Knobs
If you’re still worried about extreme temperatures, here are a few tips:
- Park in the shade: This will help prevent your car (and your shift knob) from getting scorching hot in the first place.
- Use a sunshade: A windshield sunshade can make a big difference in keeping your car’s interior cool.
- Window tint: Tinting your windows can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your car.
- Gloves: If you live in a cold climate, a pair of driving gloves can keep your hands warm in the winter.
- Cover it up: When parked, throw a cloth or a small bag over your shift knob to protect it from direct sunlight or extreme cold.
Conclusion
While aluminum shift knobs can get hot or cold, it’s usually not a major issue for most drivers. If you’re really concerned about it, consider a shift knob with leather or other materials that don’t conduct temperature as much. But if you love the look and feel of aluminum, go for it! Just be mindful of the temperature in extreme weather conditions.
