How to Keep Your Car Cool in Summer

How to keep your car cool in summer

Your car doesn’t need to be left in the sun for long before the interior temperature rises to uncomfortable levels. Here’s how to keep the heat down.

Published - 30 May 2024

We’ve all been there. Gone to get into the car on a hot summer’s day only to find it baking in the sun. As if you’re not toasty enough already, you open the door and the heat hits you like a blast of oven air.

So, what’s the fastest way to cool down the inside of your car? Is there more you can do to prevent it turning into a furnace in the first place? And, with weather extremes on the rise, how can you keep yourself more comfortable when driving in hot conditions?

Read our guide to find out.

What’s the quickest way to cool down my car?

Start by swinging the door to and fro to fan the interior. Even better if you’ve got one of the opposite windows open to let the hot air flow out more easily.

Next, start the engine and turn the air conditioning (AC) on to its coolest setting. You don’t want to draw more warm air in, so choose the ‘external’ or ‘outside’ air setting if you have this option.

Open more windows to expel the hot air while the AC system takes effect. Choose the lower vent setting to push the hot air up and out of the car.

Keep the windows open until the air coming out of your vents is cooler than the outside temperature.

Once you’ve closed the windows, switch the AC setting to recirculated air and choose the vents that give you the most comfortable driving experience.

How can I cool my car in the summer without AC?

If your car’s too hot to get into, open the opposite windows and fan the interior with the driver’s door.

Where possible, start your journey with a frozen water bottle. If you’ve got someone in the passenger seat, get them to hold it in front of the air vents for blasts of chilled air. Once the ice melts you’ll have a nice cold drink.

You may have no other option but to keep the windows open if you have to drive somewhere in high temperatures and can’t cool the interior sufficiently using the air blowers alone.

How do I stop my car from heating up in the sun?

Always try to park your vehicle away from direct sunlight, under a tree or canopy.

If you haven’t got tinted windows, use a windscreen sun shade to prevent the steering wheel and other touch points getting too hot. It’ll also help to protect the driver’s seat from overheating, which you’ll be particularly glad of if yours is made of leather.

Throwing a towel over dark-colour seats or fitting lighter-coloured seat covers will also help prevent them absorbing too much heat. Put something over exposed metal on seat belt buckles and child car seat attachments too.

Get your air conditioning ready for a heatwave

The best way to keep your car cold in the heat is by having an efficient climate control or air conditioning system, so keep your AC well maintained.

Most car manufacturers recommend getting your air conditioning serviced every two years, but many people wait until the air just isn’t blowing cool enough.

If the air is not as cold as it used to be or there’s an odd smell, the AC system may need re-gassing. This is an easy job for a mechanic to do and it will restore the proper refrigerant levels.

Had your car for more than two years and haven’t had the air con serviced? It might be time for a re-gas and a check for cracks or leaks to ensure the system functions optimally.

What else can I do to keep cool in the car?

Wear light-coloured, loose fitting, natural fibre clothing, such as cotton, linen or merino wool. Wear canvas pumps or slip-on deck shoes.

Always carry drinking water with you in case your journey takes longer than expected. If water is going to be left in a car parked in the sun, make sure it’s in a BPA-free plastic bottle or use a glass or metal canister.

Car windows don’t block UV rays so use sun protection during long journeys or if you get stuck in a motorway tail back.

And never, ever leave pets, children or vulnerable adults in the car alone during extreme temperatures.

Things to check before a summer getaway

It’s just as important to check your vehicle is road worthy in the hot season as it is in the winter months. Here’s what to look out for...

Fuel up for longer journey times

Stop/start traffic conditions use more fuel, so make sure you have enough in the tank. Batteries in electric vehicles aren’t as efficient in hot weather either, so you may need to recharge more often.

Need a top up?

Check your oil and coolant are at optimal levels to help the engine run at the right temperature. And don’t forget the screenwash to wash away dirt and bugs.

Check the electrics

Ensure all the electrics are working before you set off, so you can open windows, clear windscreens and use all indicators and lights.

Tyre safety

A tread of at least 3mm on tyres pumped to the correct pressure is recommended for the best grip on the road, especially during a summer downpour.

Are you covered?

Make sure your vehicle is insured and that your car insurance still provides all the cover you need. If you like the reassurance of breakdown cover, make sure you know exactly what yours covers before you set off.

Who are Saga's car insurance policies underwritten by?

Saga’s car insurance policies, exclusively for people over 50, are unique products designed by us specifically for our customers. They are underwritten by a number of carefully selected insurers that provide high standards of quality and service.