When it is hot outside, the car gets hot inside, especially if it is not equipped with an air conditioning system. However, whether you need to use ice, wear light clothing or improve the air circulation in the cabin, there are various ways to cool down. You can even choose alternative routes or drive in the cooler hours of the day and avoid the heat wave.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Water or Ice
Step 1. Consume a cold drink to keep yourself hydrated
When you drink enough, your body is able to regulate your body temperature more efficiently. Sip cool water or another cold drink, such as coffee or iced tea.
- Drink frequently throughout the day, trying to get at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water per day. If you have a dry throat or feel thirsty, it means that you are already dehydrated.
- Put cold drinks in a thermos or travel mug so they keep the temperature longer.
Step 2. Cool your wrists and neck with cold water, an ice pack or a few cubes
They are the points where the pulse can be detected and are closely linked to the area of the brain that controls body temperature. By placing a cold source on these areas, you will cool down faster.
- Other pulsation points to refresh are the temples and popliteal cavities.
- You can also use a spray bottle to spray cold water on your wrists for the same effect.
- If you don't have a cold pack or ice, wrap a cold rag over the pulse points.
Create a Cooling Bag yourself
Fill a plastic bottle with water and place it in the freezer for at least 3 hours or until it freezes completely. Remove it and use it to freshen up the car interior. When the water melts, sip it to keep you cool and hydrated. You'll kill two birds with one stone!
Step 3. Place a wet rag on the ventilation system grilles if hot air comes out
If the vents blow hot air, cool it with a damp cloth. Use clothespins or clamps to secure it to the top of the vents.
- Prepare some wet rags so that you can quickly replace the dry ones.
- Freeze them if you want to cool down further. They need to solidify so that they completely cover the vents once they hang.
- Don't leave them in your car when you go out, otherwise they could get moldy.
Step 4. Place a block of ice in a tray and place it on the floor
When the air escaping from the lower vents of the ventilation system passes over the ice, the interior temperature will drop automatically. To prevent melted ice from falling onto the mat, place the block in a plastic bowl or baking pan.
- You can also use ice cubes in a polystyrene or thermal container. Keep the lid open and lay it on the floor.
- If you have a sizeable machine, carry spare ice in an insulated cooler bag.
Method 2 of 4: Dress Appropriately
Step 1. Choose loose-fitting clothing made from lightweight fabrics, such as linen or cotton
Tight clothes trap heat, while loose ones that don't stick to the skin allow warm air to escape and cool air to enter. Look for breathable fabrics to let more air through.
- In addition to linen and cotton, other breathable materials are silk, chambray and rayon.
- For example, if you are a woman, you can wear a large rayon suit or, if you are a man, opt for a cotton t-shirt.
Step 2. Wear light-colored clothing that reflects the sun's rays
Softer-toned garments keep you cool by not absorbing excessively the sun's heat. White is the best color to wear because it reflects all wavelengths of light, but lighter shades of red and yellow are also effective.
- Avoid dark colors, such as black or blue, as they absorb sunlight and increase the perception of heat.
- Keep a change of clothes in the car in case you sweat.
Step 3. Drive barefoot unless prohibited by the highway code
The feet play an important role in controlling body temperature. Avoid overheating by wearing closed socks and shoes. Rather, keep them exposed to allow the body to disperse the heat.
- Know the traffic laws in force in the place where you are traveling to be sure that barefoot driving is permitted.
- Sandals and open shoes also help you stay cool.
- Make sure there is nothing sharp on the car floor, such as a screw or piece of glass.
Step 4. Move the hair away from the neck if it is long
Since the nape is a pulse point, keeping it covered will make you feel very hot. So, if you wear long hair, pull it back into a ponytail or bun before driving.
- Braids and banana are other hairstyles that keep the neck uncovered.
- Consider getting them wet before picking them up. Driving with damp hair, you will refresh your head as it dries in the air.
Method 3 of 4: Keep the Interior Cool
Step 1. Keep at least two windows down to allow air to circulate
If you only open one, not only will it be of no use, but you may also hear a pounding noise from the wind hitting the glass at certain speeds. Adjust the height of the windows according to how much air you want.
- If the car has a ventilation system, open the vents and turn it on. Then, lower the rear windows just enough to let the air circulate.
- Even by opening the roof or the rear windows, you can cool the cabin. However, if it's sunny and you decide to open the roof, wear a hat so you don't feel even hotter!
Step 2. Connect a fan to the cigarette lighter if you want to increase air circulation
Buy an inexpensive 12-volt fan from an auto parts store or on the Internet. Attach it to the sun visor or rearview mirror or attach it to the dashboard. Turn it on while you drive to circulate the air and cool you down.
- To further cool the air, place a damp rag on the fan.
- If you live in a region that is in latitudes more favorable to sun exposure, another option could be a solar powered fan.
Step 3. Install a car window film on the windows and windshield if permitted by traffic laws
It will filter the sunlight that enters inside. Find out about the traffic laws in the place where you are traveling to be sure it is legal. For example, in some countries it is not allowed to obscure or alter the transparency of the front windows.
- These films are measured in percentages, based on how much light they let through. For example, 35% lets in 35% of the light.
- The lower the percentage of light transmission, the darker the film.
- Take the car to an auto body shop to have the blackout film applied, or darken the windows yourself.
- The film also protects against UV rays which can damage the car upholstery and dashboard.
Step 4. Park with the windows down 1 cm if you are in a safe place
In this way, the hot air can escape and the whole passenger compartment will stay cooler. Only lower the windows if you find parking in an area where the risk of theft is low. Use common sense when making this decision.
- Also check the weather. Don't roll down your windows if it's raining, unless you park in a covered area.
- If you put it in your garage, open them completely.
- Never leave children or pets in the car in hot weather.
Step 5. Park in the shade or in a covered area
It will affect the internal temperature when you return. Look for a tree, an underground parking lot, or even the shadow of a tall building or structure. The lowest level of the underground car parks is also the coolest one.
- If you have to leave your car in the parking lot for a long time, try to predict in which direction the shadow will move.
- If you can't find a spot out of the sun, protect the inside of the car by placing a sun visor on each window that is exposed to light.
Method 4 of 4: Change the way you travel by car
Step 1. Drive in the cooler times of the day, such as early in the morning or in the evening
If your schedule allows, try to move when the heat is more bearable or when the sun is less aggressive. For example, avoid driving in the middle of the afternoon.
- The coolest moment of the day is the one before dawn.
- On cloudy days you can travel cooler. However, avoid the rain as you will not be able to open the windows.
Step 2. Do not drive in traffic where air stagnates
If you get stuck in traffic, you will go at a snail's pace and can barely breathe with the windows open. It could be stuffy.
- Rush hour is one of the worst times for traffic. Typically, in the morning the rush hour is from 7:00 to 9:00, while in the evening it is between 16:00 and 18:00 approximately.
- The other less convenient times to get behind the wheel are weekends during the holidays, days when important events are planned, such as concerts or sports competitions, while the places to avoid are areas under construction.
Step 3. Choose a shady path for your daily commute
The less you expose yourself to direct sunlight, the more pleasant the temperature inside the car will be, and therefore the less hot you will feel. Of course, tree-lined streets have more shade than open highways, so if you can, choose these routes when running errands or commuting to work.
Keep in mind that secondary roads or those passing through neighborhoods can lengthen the journey. Adjust accordingly before you leave the house
Warnings
- The cabin can get hot in the sun and even dangerous. Never leave people or pets inside.
- Do not use dry ice in the car. It emits carbon dioxide when it goes from solid to gas, and can cause suffocation in enclosed spaces (such as a car).
- Be very careful if you drive with flip flops. They can fit under the pedals.
- In some countries it is illegal to have the front windows and windshield tinted.
- Block light objects before opening the windows as they could throw themselves into the driver's face or fly out of the cabin. Stop them with something heavy, like a shoe.
