7 Ways to Keep Yourself and Your Car Cool in Summer
The temperatures are higher, the skirts are shorter, and iced fruit cocktails taste better. There are many reasons to love summer, but getting into a car that's been baking in the sun for eight hours? Definitely. Not. One of them.
You know this pain very well. The hot slashing sensation as you go to click your seatbelt closed, the wincing pain on your palms as you try to power through a blistering steering wheel, and the dense cloud of hot air radiating from the dashboard, engulfing your already sweaty face. Here’s how you can avoid that hot mess and keep your car cool in the summer.
1. Start the Aircon Right
Once you’re ready to go, avoid blasting the air conditioning straight away. Instead, start the fan on low for a minute to bring in cooler air gradually. Once the engine’s running and you’re moving, increase the aircon gradually. Going full-blast immediately can strain the aircon system, leading to a higher chance of breakdowns and maintenance issues.
2. Choose Your Parking Spot Wisely
First things first—where you park can make a world of difference. If you can find a shaded spot under a tree, in a garage, or close to a building, you’re one step ahead in avoiding a mobile oven. Not only does parking in the shade keep the inside of your car cooler, but it also helps protect the car’s paint and interior from sun damage. If shade’s not around, try angling the car so the sun hits the back instead of the front, keeping the steering wheel and front seats a little cooler.
3. Use Sunshades
Sunshades are more than a quick fix—they’re your car’s first line of defence against blazing summer days. A reflective windscreen sunshade can block a heap of UV rays, cutting the temperature inside by up to 15°C. Investing in a sunshade for the back window or side-window shades adds an extra layer of protection. These are cheap, easy to set up, and save you from that initial oven blast when you get back in the car.
4. Crack the Windows
It may seem odd, but leaving the windows slightly cracked can help with air circulation and reduce the internal temp. Just a small gap of a few centimetres will let the hot air escape, stopping a pressure-cooker effect inside the car. Just be mindful of security and don’t leave the windows down too much if you’re in a busy area.
5. Cover Your Seats and Steering Wheel
Cloth or fabric seat covers are a lifesaver if you have leather or vinyl seats, notorious for heating up in the sun. Another option? Throw a light-coloured towel over the steering wheel and seats before you hop out. You’ll come back to a cooler seat and a handleable steering wheel, even on the hottest days.
6. Air It Out Before You Get In
Before jumping in, open all the doors to let the trapped hot air escape for a minute or two. You can also use a “fan effect” to get the hot air out faster. To do this, open one door fully, then quickly open and close the opposite door a few times. It helps push the hot air out and brings in slightly cooler air. It might look a bit funny, but it works!
7. Consider Tinted Windows
Window tinting isn’t just about style; it’s a practical solution for summer heat. Quality tinting reduces the amount of solar heat entering the car, keeping it cooler and easing the load on your aircon. Plus, it offers a bit more privacy. Just check local laws on allowable tint levels.
Here’s a Bonus Tip
Keep yourself cool too. Staying hydrated and wearing light, breathable clothing can help make the summer heat bearable. And hey, a nice iced coffee or cold drink never hurt anyone. With a few smart moves, you can keep yourself and your car cool and make summer driving something to look forward to again. If you need a hand modifying your windows or fixing up your air conditioning, we’re only a phone call away. Get in touch with our team at Busselton Automotive Repairs and we’ll do the heavy lifting for you.
