How to Keep Your Car Cool Without AC

If your car’s air conditioning system isn’t delivering quite as much cool air as you’d like, you may be looking for ways to lower the temperature on hot, summer days.

Tint the Windows

Cars get really hot when they’re parked in the sun all day, so if you don’t have covered parking at your house or where you work, you may want to invest in window tinting. The darker coating on the windows can keep some of the sun’s rays out, reducing the heat of the interior. Check the local laws in your area before you get the windows tinted though, since some states and cities restrict drivers from tinting the front windows or have a set requirement for transparency levels of the glass.

If you don’t want to pay for full window tinting, or it’s illegal where you live, grab a foldable sunshade and keep it in your windshield whenever you’re parked in an uncovered space.

Cover Dark Upholstery

Dark upholstery, dashboards, and steering wheels tend to trap heat, making the cabin feel a lot hotter when you climb in on a summer day. Use light-colored covers for the seats and steering wheel to reduce the warmth of the surface. Doing so can also reduce discomfort when you touch the hot steering wheel.

Park in the Shade

Whenever possible, look for parking spaces near trees or other shaded areas. The inside of a car parked in direct sunlight can get up to 120 degrees or higher in just a couple of hours. Reducing how much sunshine can come through the windows can make a big difference in keeping it cooler.

Use Ice

If you’re up to try something a bit old-fashioned, try keeping a container of ice next to the ventilation system in your car. As the ice melts, you may notice a cooling effect that can filter throughout the car when you have the fan running. It’s also helpful to have ice nearby when the heat becomes unbearable since you can grab a piece and apply it directly to the back or your neck for an instant cooling effect.

Improve Airflow

Driving with the windows down when it’s hot outside might seem counterintuitive, but this method of air conditioning is known to some drivers as “4-60 AC.” The phrase refers to four windows down, going 60 miles per hour to maximize airflow within the cabin. When you’re stuck in traffic and not moving very fast, try opening the car’s sunroof to get more air flowing throughout the vehicle.

Dress for the Weather

Even if you’re heading to work, you can lighten your outfit on hot summer days and take outerwear with you. Dress in lightweight and light-colored clothing for the car ride, and then change into your work clothes when you arrive. It’s also smart to keep some clean clothes in your vehicle in case you get too hot and need to change.

Your air conditioner could also benefit from a recharge or tune-up service, helping to keep the car cooler even when it’s hot. These tips can help prevent you from getting too uncomfortable when you’re driving in the summertime.

Tags: Vehicle Tips
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