How to Keep Your Car Cool in the Heat

Summer’s here and the time is right for parked-car overheating. You know what we mean. You can’t find a shady spot, so you leave your pride and joy at the mercy of the blazing sun while you take a break to eat. When you get back, the inside of your car is like a furnace, hotter than a volcano, a shimmering haze of hot plastic, baking metal and skin-burning surfaces. No way can you go in there. So, what do you do?

Find Shade or Park Smart

Yes, finding a shady spot may seem obvious, but in today’s packed cities, really? It probably isn’t possible. If so, then park with the rear of your car to the sun, so direct heat is not on the dash, steering wheel and front seats.

Use Sun Shield

Forget that cardboard thing you got for free. Invest in a real sun shield for your windscreen. This means one with reflective coatings on both sides to reduce heat and UV rays. This will keep temps down and stop your dashboard plastics cracking like parched earth.

Find Cheap Car Sun Shades Here

Gap Those Windows

This does not mean leaving the windows down. You want the car to be there when you get back. No, it means lowering them about 3cm before you disappear to the café. This lets air flow through and vent the boiling heat from inside.

Make it Rain

Keep a thick cotton towel and a bottle of water in the car. Wet the towel and use it to wipe down the wheel, gear knob and other touchable surfaces. This will absorb most of the heat and prevent scalding your skin.

20 Seconds Rule

We all know time is money but is saving 20 seconds and getting a second-degree skin burn worth it? No, we thought not.

Open the door, (both if you can, but watch you don’t cause a danger), vent the hot air. Give it at least 15 to 20 seconds before getting in. Yes, it will still be uncomfortable, but at least now it’s survivable.

Air Conditioning

If you have AC then crank it up. Be wary on newer cars that have stop/start technology. If you stop at lights and the engine shuts off, the AC does not always stay pumping, be wary, it will save time cooling the car down.

Lastly, once you get on the road, keep the windows gapped and the A/C in recirculation mode if you’re alone in the car. This means the air conditioning is only trying to cool down already cooling air, and not the outside world. If you have passengers, avoid this option as it could mean you’re breathing more of the same air and could increase the risk of spreading the virus.