How to Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer Months

Nothing is worse than getting into a miserably hot car on a hot summer's day. Here are some ways to keep your vehicle cool during the summer months in the UK

Currently, the UK is experiencing a heatwave of temperatures of up to 30c. While many people are off to the beach to celebrate and get a sun tan, many others are doing their usual commutes in a vehicle.

Anyone who drives frequently during the summer months knows that getting into a car that has been left out in the sun can be a miserable experience.

The air is hot and stuffy, making it hard to breathe. The seats (especially if you have leather) are scorching hot, burning your bum and legs when you sit down. The steering wheel can also be very hot and can burn your hands if you hold it for too long. 

In this article, we will provide you with some quick and effective tips to keep your car cool and comfortable during the scorching summer months. Say goodbye to the unbearable heat and hello to a refreshing ride!

1. Use a sunshade or windscreen visor

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your car cool is by using a sunshade or windscreen visor. A sunshade or windscreen visor are anti-glare heat shields that attach to your normal pull-down sun-blocking visor. They fit underneath it to give you extra protection from the sun, as well as block the light when driving (as if you were wearing sunglasses).

These accessories block direct sunlight from entering your car, reducing heat buildup and keeping the interior temperature lower. Place the sunshade or visor on your windscreen whenever you park your car in a sunny area.

A sunshade or windscreen visor comes in many forms. The most common visors that you can buy attach underneath your standard visor that comes in your vehicle. You can buy them for both the driver and passenger front seats.

Website motor1.com has a great article on some sunshade visors.

2. Park in shaded areas

Whenever possible, park your car in shaded areas to minimise sun exposure. This one might seem obvious but when drivers are focused on finding a place to park, they might completely forget about looking for a shaded area.

Look for parking spots under trees, near buildings, or in covered parking structures. Parking in the shade can significantly reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your car, making it much more comfortable when you return.

3. Use window shades or wind deflectors

In addition to using a sunshade or windscreen visor, consider using window shades on the side windows of your car. These shades act as a barrier to block sunlight from entering through the windows, further reducing heat buildup inside the vehicle.

Window shades are available in various designs and can be easily installed and removed as needed. The most common form of window shades is made out of a netted material that attaches to the top of the windows and can be pulled down to cover the entire area. You can get them for both the rear and front windows.

Window wind deflectors are also a common accessory to help keep heat out. Although they are primarily used for keeping fresh air circulating in your car, they also come in a black anti-glare design that stops heat from getting in. Plus, the fact they keep fresh air circulating will be helpful in keeping internal temperatures lower. 

Modern cars these days actually come with integrated window shades, especially in the rear passenger seats. But older cars may not have these so you have to buy them separately. 

Website AutoExpress has a great article on some window shades you can buy in the UK.

4. Crack open the windows

Leaving your windows slightly cracked can help to release hot air and promote air circulation, preventing your car from becoming a heat trap. Even a small opening can make a noticeable difference in reducing the interior temperature. However, it's important to consider security and only leave the windows open a small amount to prevent unauthorised access.

Leaving the windows open too wide can also cause debris like leaves or rubbish to fly in on windy days. Or worse yet, flies and spiders can crawl in. Leaving a small 1-inch gap on all windows is enough to let air in but not allow your interior to become an insect's nest when you get back.

5. Use a reflective dashboard cover

A reflective dashboard cover is a common and valuable accessory to keep your car's interior cool. When exposed to direct sunlight, the dashboard can become extremely hot and radiate heat throughout the cabin. By placing a reflective cover on the dashboard, you can reflect the sunlight away, preventing the heat from being trapped inside the car.

You may have seen these dashboard covers on parked cars. They are usually silver-coloured and looked like giant sheets of foil that are spread across the entire front windscreen. You can get them from many auto stores such as Halfords or even supermarkets like ASDA.

6. Use a car fan or air vent clip

Investing in a small portable fan or an air vent clip-on fan can help circulate air inside your car, dissipating heat and improving overall comfort. These fans can be powered through your car's power outlet or USB port and provide a refreshing breeze to combat the heat. Place the fan in a suitable location, such as on the dashboard or clipped onto an air vent.

7. Use remote start or air conditioning timer

If your car has a remote start feature, take advantage of it to cool the interior before you enter. Unfortunately, for most ICE (internal combustion engine) cars, this feature won't be available. But EVs (electric vehicles) have a remote start function that allows them to have features turned on inside but with the doors remaining locked.

The Volkswagen ID.3 for example has a remote start function which allows you to turn on the heating or air condition for 10 minutes before you've even stepped foot in the car. This allows you to thaw out a frozen screen in winter or cool down a hot car during summer.

Start the engine remotely and allow the air conditioning system to run for a few minutes to bring down the temperature. If remote start is not available, you can set a timer to start the air conditioning a few minutes before you plan to enter the car. This way, you can immediately step into a cool and comfortable car.

8. Consider tinting your windows

Window tinting can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your car by blocking harmful UV rays. It not only helps to keep the interior cool but also protects your skin and prevents fading of the car's upholstery. However, it's important to check local regulations and ensure compliance with window tinting laws in your area.

The gov.uk website has an excellent article on the legal limits of car window tint levels. To save you some time, the legal limit taken from the gov.uk website is as follows:

"The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through."

9. Use seat covers or towels

To prevent your steering wheel, seats, and other surfaces from becoming scorching hot, cover them with seat covers or towels. These covers act as a barrier between the surfaces and direct sunlight, reducing heat absorption. When you return to your car, remove the covers or towels, and you'll have cooler surfaces to touch and sit on.

Remember, during the summer months, it's crucial never to leave children or pets unattended in a hot car. The interior temperature can rise to dangerous levels rapidly, leading to heatstroke or even death. Always prioritise their safety by ensuring they are never left alone in a vehicle.

Although EVs like Tesla's have a feature that allows air conditioning to circulate even when the driver leaves the vehicle. This is called 'Dog Mode' and it keeps the vehicle cool and allows pets to stay inside when the owner leaves. This is down to the owner's discretion but always ensure that Dog Mode is working properly before leaving a pet inside.

By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce the heat buildup in your car and enjoy a cool and pleasant driving experience even on the hottest summer days. Stay cool and drive safely!