Keeping your car well-maintained includes making sure that the cooling system works, especially during those sweltering summer months. But, inevitably, your car air conditioning system could break down, and while you’re searching for the best car AC repair shop, you need to keep yourself cool through more affordable means. Here are some simple hacks that can keep your vehicle’s interiors at a tolerable temperature throughout the day without requiring a lot of energy or fuel.
Shield from the sun’s fierce rays streaming through your windows
- Car sun windscreen shade is a must. It is inexpensive but incredibly effective at blocking the direct sunlight from frying your steering wheel and dashboard. Make sure you find one that fits your windshield well and provides maximum coverage.
- It may be a pricey investment at the start, but it’s worth it in the long run to get your windows tinted since it helps to reduce the total amount of solar heat from penetrating your car. Remember to check your local regulations for the legal tint levels before you get your windows darkened.
- Get side window shades since these are especially useful for your back seat passengers. You don’t want your kids or loved ones to feel the heat, do you?
Ventilate and let the air flow through your vehicle
- Learn the cross-breeze trick! Before you start driving, roll down the windows found on the opposite sides of your car so you can flush out any hot, stagnant air that has built up inside. You’ll probably be surprised at how effective it is at making things feel cooler almost right away.
- Leave your windows just slightly cracked open by a few centimetres when you’re parked. This should be enough to allow any hot air to escape and keep your car from feeling like an oven when you get back inside.
- Even when your AC isn’t running, the ventilation system in your car can help out. What you’ve got to do is turn the fan on high then open the vents. It won’t exactly blow out any cold air, but it will create some airflow that would help evaporate sweat to cool your body down. Take note that you should only set it to recirculate only after that initial flush of hot air, or you’ll just be moving hot air around in your car.
Park your car away from the sun as much as possible
- Always look for covered parking, whether it’s a carport, garage, or even just a spot under some leafy trees. Blocking direct sunlight from hitting your car should be your first line of defence from the heat.
- If you can’t manage to find full shade, then try to park your car so that your windshield isn’t directly facing the sun during the hottest hours of the day. This helps to reduce the greenhouse effect inside your vehicle.
- Even if you’re just going to be parked somewhere for a short while, parking in a less than ideal spot that’s going to be shaded later is a good idea.
Be creative with your cooling solutions
- You can get some small portable fans that run on rechargeable batteries so you can enjoy a direct breeze even without AC.
- There are cooling towels that, after being soaked in water, can stay cool for a surprisingly long time. You can drape one around your neck while driving to keep yourself feeling refreshed.
- Make your own DIY air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice in front of your car’s vent and turning the fan on high. The air blowing over the ice will produce a temporary cool mist that can help alleviate the heat. Just be on the lookout for potential spills.
- Leather seats can get really hot, so consider replacing them with seat covers made of more breathable fabric like mesh or cotton during the hot months.
While these methods won’t exactly give you a perfect substitute for air conditioning, they can definitely make a great difference in keeping your car cooler when the heat is on. Stay cool out there and check out Snap Shades when you’re ready to shop for windscreen shades!
