We are all looking for ways to refresh ourselves. Unfortunately, cars are no exception and can quickly become a stuffy place. Fortunately, there are a few tips to avoid heatstroke in the car.
As an article published on the Ouest-France website advises, if you find a car transformed into a sauna, start by ventilating it naturally by opening the doors, then the windows when you start driving. This will already save a few degrees. Close the windows when the pace increases, as this increases consumption.
Once a car has warmed up, it’s hard to get rid of that hot air, even with air conditioning. Luckily, you can speed up the cooling process by “venting” your car door and forcing hot air out.
You can build your own eco-friendly air conditioner! All you have to do is put wet rags or ice packs in front of the vents. Not as much as a real air conditioner, but it’s definitely a better option than nothing.
One of the easiest methods is to place a damp cloth or an ice pack in front of the fans as Road Safety suggests. This will circulate cool air inside the car and reduce the temperature within minutes. You can also lower the windows to create a draft and thus cool the air inside the vehicle.
If you don’t have air conditioning or ice packs, some things in your car are going to be extremely hot. This includes things like the steering wheel, shifter, and even the seats. Your best solution? Wipe hot surfaces with a damp cloth.
This method will only be slightly effective and won’t actively cool your car’s interior, but it will prevent you from burning your hands. Keeping a spray bottle and a cloth in your box will also ensure you can do this when you’re on the go. Or, in a pinch, you can get away with using wet wipes.
Parking your car indoors is a great way to keep it from overheating in hot weather. It’s not always possible, but keeping your engine out of the sun is the best way to keep its interior nice and cool.
Be careful, the shade is not always where you think it is… Don’t forget to plan for the rotation of the sun if you plan to stay parked for several hours. A nice place under the tree could be, two hours later, in the middle of a dodger and your dashboard reaching 90 degrees. And vice versa. So, anticipate, even if it means walking a little bit.
Travel early in the morning or late in the evening, and take a break during the hottest hours. This will make you more comfortable and enjoy the trip more. Plus, by traveling at off-peak times, you’ll experience less traffic and get to your destination faster. So, don’t forget to take the weather conditions into account before going on a road trip!