You may enjoy spending time outdoors during the summer months. Still, the heat and sun can make driving around intolerable, as your car may feel like an oven when you get in and take what feels like an eternity to cool down to a comfortable temperature.
Fortunately, if you are wondering how to keep your car cool during summer, there are plenty of simple things you can do, from maximizing your air conditioning to taking advantage of a shady spot when parking; the following tips can help you maintain a cooler vehicle on those hot and humid summer days.
Windows
Car windows can act like a greenhouse, holding in heat and sunlight. Even if it is only in the 60s outside, the direct sunlight through the windows can cause the interior temperature to increase to more than 110 degrees.
Knowing this, there are a few ways to help keep your car cool by reducing the amount of heat entering through your windows:
- Sun shades: Sun shades are an excellent investment because they block the direct rays coming into your vehicle. This keeps the temperature slightly lower, which can help your car cool down more quickly once the car is started.
- Tinted windows: A more expensive yet constant way to block the sun is with window tinting. But before you take your car in to have the windows darkened, make sure you know your state’s laws, as some have restrictions on how much or which windows you can tint.
- Covered parking: If you don’t have tinted windows or a sun shade, parking in the shade may be a helpful alternative.
- Cracked windows: Because windows hold warm air, leaving them open slightly while parked will create slight airflow. If your vehicle has a sunroof, Cars.com says you can also crack that or use the vent feature if it’s not raining. For both windows and sunroofs, only leave them open slightly (less than an inch) to minimize the possibility of theft.
Seats
Scorching seats can cause discomfort or even. For this reason, you might consider purchasing a vehicle with cloth seats instead of leather. If it’s in your budget, you might also look into buying a car with air-conditioned seats, which circulate cool air around your backside. For those who already have leather but need a way to keep it cooler, Cars.com suggests purchasing cooling gel covers or pads. Simply covering leather seats with towels can provide insulation between you and the hot seat.
Air Conditioning
Suppose your vehicle’s air conditioning isn’t functioning correctly, or you don’t use it most efficiently. In that case, it may take longer than you would like for your car to reach a comfortable temperature. To maximize your car’s cooling ability, turn the air on full blast as soon as you start the engine and slightly open all of your windows until the air inside is cool. This helps to improve cooling efficiency as the hot air (which rises) will be pushed out of the windows as the cool air comes out of the vents. Once you’ve achieved your desired temperature, Cars.com says you should use the car’s air recirculating feature and the air conditioning to maintain the coldest air.
Firestone Complete Auto Care suggests that there may not be a regular interval when your air conditioning system should be professionally checked. Once the air coming out of the vents doesn’t feel as cold as you remember, it’s time to get it inspected. If the air doesn’t feel cold, the Environmental Protection Agency says you may need your local auto mechanic to top off the refrigerant to recharge your system.
While you can’t change the weather, you can prepare your car to handle a sizzling summer. Remember these tips this summer and enjoy a cooler car.