Whether summer or winter, hot or cold, hitting the right cabin temperature keeps you comfortable and your mind free to focus on the road.
Cars have come a long way in terms of technology, with air conditioning systems evolving from basic, manually operated units to sophisticated, automated climate control systems.
Breaking down during a heatwave can be uncomfortable, so remember to give your car a quick once-over. Start with our checklist of 10 easy maintenance tips.
Keep reading for more information on how to keep your car cool in summer.
Keeping your car interior cool
Weather in the UK is as unpredictable as a moody cat. One minute it’s rainy and the next it’s scorching hot outside.
We all know how to get through rainy weather but dealing with the heat is a problem many drivers still face especially those with older vehicles.
Older cars often lack modern air conditioning systems or have ones that are less efficient, making them more likely to overheat. This can lead to discomfort and potential mechanical issues.
Here are some tips to keep your vehicle cool during the summer:
- Use steering wheel and seat covers
- Cover your dashboard to keep the surface cool and avoid premature cracking or fading
- Park your vehicle in the shade
- Leave windows slightly cracked to allow hot air to escape
- Most battery electric vehicles have an app which allows cabin temperature control remotely, so you can cool down your vehicle’s interior before you start your journey
Failing to take the right precautions can lead to a hot interior, mechanical problems, and safety hazards. When trying to keep your car cool, make sure you:
- Don’t block air vents
- Avoid dark seat covers
- Never leave windows fully open
- Try not to park in direct sunlight
- Always keep an eye on your vehicles coolant levels
- Keep the windows slightly open to allow for air circulation
- Use sunshades on the windshield and windows to block the sun
- Park in shaded areas or use a car cover to reduce heat build-up
- Increasingly thirsty
- Fainting
- Muscle cramps and headaches
- Being sick/nausea
- Increased sweating
- Clammy skin
- Engine overheating
- Reduced efficiency
- Increased wear and tear on engine components
- Potential damage to the water pump and radiator
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Quickly cooling your car interior
Here’s our step-by-step guide to quickly cooling the inside of your car.
Step 1 – Start by opening all the windows and doors for a minute or two to let the hot air escape.
Step 2 – Once you start driving, close the windows and set the air conditioning to the ‘recirculate’ mode, which cools the air inside the car more efficiently. In a lot of cases if you set the climate control to LO or MAX A/C, the system will automatically select recirculate.
Step 3 – If your car has a sunroof, open it slightly while driving to let hot air rise and escape, then close it after a few minutes.
Step 4 – Set the air conditioning to the highest speed and the lowest temperature to maximise cooling and direct the air vents towards passengers to distribute the cool air evenly. If your car has rear air vents, make sure they are turned on and directed toward the back seats.
Climate control vs air conditioning
Climate control and air conditioning are both used to manage the temperature and air quality inside a vehicle, but they differ in functionality.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning is designed to cool the air inside the vehicle. It typically allows you to manually adjust the fan speed and temperature.
Climate control
Climate control is a more sophisticated system which automatically regulates the temperature inside the vehicle, encompassing both heating and cooling functions.
While both cool a vehicle’s interior, climate control offers advanced features that provide a more consistent and comfortable environment with less manual intervention. It’s more effective for maintaining a desired temperature and improving overall comfort, especially under varying external conditions. However, basic air conditioning remains effective for cooling and preferred for its simplicity and low cost.
Windows and doors (including sunroofs)
In heavy traffic, keeping windows closed can reduce exposure to pollutants and improve air quality inside the vehicle, especially if you use the air conditioning's recirculation mode.
On the other hand, driving with windows open can provide natural ventilation but may expose you to higher levels of pollution and decrease fuel efficiency due to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a sunroof, they also offer an advantage. It allows stifling air to escape with less wind noise and turbulence compared to fully open windows, enhancing ventilation and comfort while the vehicle is in motion.
Staying cool in your car
Wearing light, breathable clothing is essential when driving in hot weather, as it helps you stay cool and comfortable. The right footwear is also important for safe driving.
Apart from clothing and footwear, you also need to ensure that your vehicle’s air conditioning or climate control system is serviced regularly. This includes periodic servicing and regassing to ensure the system works efficiently.
If your vehicle isn’t equipped with air conditioning, take these steps to stay cool:
Additionally, always keep a bottle of water handy to stay hydrated. This is important because heat exhaustion is another issue to watch out for, especially for older passengers and younger kids. If you spot any of the following symptoms, pull over when it's safe and check on your passenger.
If you think someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, try to find a cool place indoors. Remove as much clothing as possible and encourage them to sip fluids (sports drinks are best). Cool their skin down as best you can and consult your GP and/or seek medical attention if you think it's needed.
For more info, check out the NHS advice for recognising and treating heat exhaustion.
Effects of heat on your vehicle
Heat can significantly impact a vehicle's performance, especially if the cooling system isn't functioning properly. Low coolant levels or ineffective cooling can lead to:
In extreme cases, prolonged overheating can result in complete engine failure, necessitating costly repairs. To prevent these issues and ensure smooth operation in hot conditions, regular maintenance and checking coolant levels are essential.
Keeping this advice in mind will help both you and your vehicle stay cool in hot weather.
Updated: 13 August 2024 | Author: The AA