Summer heat can turn your car into an oven, making every ride uncomfortable. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or just getting in after parking under the sun, dealing with extreme temperatures inside your vehicle can be frustrating. So, how do you cool a car in summer without sweating buckets? Here are some tips to keep your vehicle cool and comfortable, even in peak summer heat.
Table of Contents
1. Park Smartly
The easiest way to keep your car cool is to avoid direct sunlight. Here’s how:
Find Shade – Always park under a tree, inside a covered parking lot, or in the shadow of a building.
Use sunshades – A windscreen sunshade blocks sunlight and reduces heat buildup.
Reverse Park – If shade moves during the day, parking with the rear facing the sun keeps the front seats and dashboard cooler.
2. Ventilation is Key
A simple trick to cool your car faster in summer is to allow hot air to escape before getting in
Crack Open the Windows – Leave a small gap to allow air circulation, but ensure it’s not wide enough for security risks.
Use Window Deflectors – These keep the windows slightly open while preventing rain or dust from getting inside.
Cross-Ventilate – Open the passenger-side window and repeatedly open and close the driver’s door to push out hot air quickly.
3. Cover the Interior
Your car’s surfaces absorb heat, making the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard unbearably hot. Here’s how to fix it:
Use Dashboard Covers – A fabric or reflective cover prevents the dashboard from getting too hot.
Cover the Steering Wheel – A cloth or steering cover prevents burns when you touch it.
Seat Covers Help – Light-coloured, breathable seat covers reduce heat absorption and keep the seats comfortable
4. Cooling the Car Engine
Your car’s interior isn’t the only thing that overheats—your engine does too. So, how do you cool a car engine during hot summer days? Follow these steps:
Check Coolant Levels – Ensure your engine coolant is topped up to prevent overheating.
Park and Idle Smartly – If stuck in traffic, shift to neutral and rev the engine slightly to circulate coolant faster.
Turn Off the AC Temporarily – If the temperature gauge rises, switch off the air conditioning for a while to reduce engine load.
Keep the Radiator Clean – Dust and debris block airflow, so keep the radiator clean for efficient cooling.
5. Use a Portable Fan or AC Booster
Want to cool your car faster in summer? Try these gadgets:
Battery-Powered Fans – These circulate air and speed up cooling.
Solar-Powered Ventilation Fans – They extract hot air while the car is parked.
Pre-Cooling with AC – Start the air conditioner a few minutes before driving while keeping the windows slightly open to push out hot air.
6. Opt for Heat-Reflective Window Films
Tinted or heat-reflective window films can block up to 70% of the sun’s heat, keeping the cabin much cooler. Make sure to check local regulations before applying tinted films to your car windows.
7. Keep a spray bottle in the car.
A small hack to cool your car in summer is to use a spray bottle filled with cold water. Spritz some on your seats and dashboard before entering to bring down the temperature instantly.
8. Drive Smartly
Your driving style also affects how hot your car gets. Here’s what to do:
Avoid Sudden Acceleration – This increases engine load and heat.
Use Low Gears on Slopes – This prevents engine overheating in hilly areas.
Turn Off the AC When Climbing – Reducing extra load on the engine can prevent overheating.
9. Final Thoughts
Beating the heat while driving is all about prevention and smart cooling techniques. From parking wisely to keeping your engine cool, these simple yet effective tips ensure you enjoy a comfortable ride all summer long. Now that you know how to cool a car in summer, try these hacks and say goodbye to the scorching heat inside your vehicle!
