Cool your car fast: Expert tips for scorching summer days
1:19 PM EDT, July 16, 2024
When the temperature outside exceeds 86°F, the interior of a car can heat up to as much as 140°F. How can you quickly cool down the car to avoid feeling like you're in an oven? There's a simple method that brings surprisingly good results.
How to cool down the interior of a car - The most effective method
Both paramedics and automotive specialists agree that the best method is to open the window on the driver's side and then vigorously open and close the passenger door. Additionally, opening the trunk will speed up the cooling process. This way, you will effectively push the hot air out of the interior and replace it with cooler air from the outside.
Be careful with a hot steering wheel!
If you must leave your car in the sun, turn the steering wheel 180 degrees. This prevents the part you touch most often during driving from heating up. Thanks to this simple trick, you won't have to use oven mitts.
Hidden feature of car keys for hot days
Pay attention to your car keys. If they have a remote central locking function, there's a chance they also have a remote window opening function. Usually, you just need to hold the unlock button for a few seconds. You can do this before entering the car, for example, when leaving the office.
Whew, it's hot..
Are you wondering how quickly a car heats up? In the sun, at a temperature of 95°F, within an hour, the interior of the vehicle can reach 117°F, the steering wheel 127°F, and the dashboard even up to 156°F.
In the shade
A car parked in the shade heats up more slowly. At the same outside temperature, after an hour, the interior of the car will be 100°F, the dashboard 118°F, and the steering wheel 108°F.
Air conditioning in the car - The 5-minute rule
Paramedics also remind people to use air conditioning carefully after starting the car. First, open a few windows to avoid the thermal shock associated with a sudden temperature change and to allow the hot air to leave the vehicle faster.
Experts have long been trying to popularize the 5-minute rule: turn on the air conditioning only 5 minutes after you start driving and turn it off 5 minutes before you end your drive. This dramatically extends the air conditioning system's life and prevents the build-up of harmful fungi and mold.
