When it's hot outside, the inside of the car gets even hotter, especially if you don't have air conditioning. Wow! However, there are ways to stay cool, whether it's by using frozen ice packs, putting on lighter clothing, or improving the airflow in your car. You could even go different routes or at cooler times during the day to help you beat the heat.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Water or Ice
Step 1. Have a cold drink to stay hydrated
When the body is well hydrated, it regulates its temperature in a much more efficient way. Drink cold water or another cold beverage like iced coffee or tea.
- Drink frequently throughout the day and aim to consume at least 8 glasses (2 L or 8 oz) of water a day. If you wait to feel dry or very thirsty, your body will already be dehydrated.
- Keep cold drinks in an insulated thermos or travel mug so they stay colder for longer.
Step 2. Put cold water, an ice pack, or ice on your wrists and neck
These are pulse points, which are closely connected to the part of the brain that controls your body temperature. Putting something cold in these areas will cool you down faster.
- Other pulse points are the temples and the areas behind the knees.
- Spraying cold water on your pulse points with a spray bottle has the same effect.
- Put a cold cloth on your pulse points if you don't have an ice pack or ice pack.
Make your own ice pack
Put a plastic water bottle in the freezer for at least 3 hours or until completely ice cold. Take it out to use as a freezer pack in the car. Then, when the water has melted, drink it to keep yourself hydrated and cool. You will kill two birds with one stone!
Step 3. Hang a damp cloth over the car's middle vent if air is coming out
If air is coming out of the air conditioner vent, even if it is hot, cool it with a damp cloth. Use clothespins or small hooks to secure the rag over the vent.
- Have a few damp rags to change as it will dry pretty quickly.
- Freeze the rags ahead of time to keep them cooler. Make sure to freeze them spread out so they cover the vents when they're hanging.
- Do not leave the rags in the car when you go out or mist may form on it.
Step 4. Put a block of ice in a mold next to the floor vents to cool the air
When the air coming out of the lower vents passes over the ice, it will lower the temperature of the warm air. To prevent melted ice from spilling all over the car, place the block of ice in a plastic or metal baking pan.
- You can also put ice cubes in a Styrofoam or thermocollo container. Keep the lid open and put it on the ground.
- For longer car rides, pack spare ice in an insulated cooler.
Method 2 of 4: Dress appropriately
Step 1. Choose loose clothing made from lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton
Tight-fitting clothing traps heat against your body, while clothing that is looser and farther from the skin allows hot air to escape and cool air to enter. Look for pieces of fabric that are ventilated and allow more air to pass through.
- Other ventilated fabrics aside from linen and cotton are silk, chambray, and rayon.
- Wear a flowy rayon dress if you are a woman or, if you are a man, opt for a loose cotton T-shirt, for example.
Step 2. Wear light-colored clothing that reflects the sun
Pale-toned clothes keep you cooler because they don't absorb as much heat from the sun. White is the coldest color to use as it reflects all wavelengths of light, but shades of red and yellow are also effective.
- Avoid dark colors like black and navy, as they absorb sunlight and heat, making you feel warmer.
- Have a change of clothes in your car in case you sweat the one you have on.
Step 3. Drive without shoes if it is legal where you live
The feet play an important role in controlling body temperature. Do not overheat them with socks and closed shoes. Rather, keep them exposed to help you release your body heat.
- Check your local traffic rules to make sure driving without shoes is legal in your area.
- Riding in sandals or split-toed shoes will also help keep you cool.
- Make sure there is nothing sharp on the ground, such as a nut or a broken piece of glass.
Step 4. Remove your neck hair if it is long
Since the back of your neck is a pulse point, covering it will warm your body more quickly. For men and women who have hair longer than their neck, they can pin it up in a ponytail or bun when driving.
- Double braids or a French bun are other styles that will keep your hair away from the neck.
- Consider getting your hair wet before you pick it up. Driving with wet hair will cool your scalp as the air dries it out.
Method 3 of 4: keep the inside of the car cool
Step 1. Roll down at least 2 windows so air can pass through the car
If you only open 1 window, not only will air not be able to circulate as well, but resonance at certain speeds may cause "loud" low noise. Modify how much you lower the windows based on the amount of air you want.
- If you have a fan-operated fresh air vent, open it and turn on the fan. Then open a rear window just enough for a stream of air to enter the car.
- Opening the car's sunroof or rear window will let in even more air. However, if it's quite sunny outside, wear a hat if you decide to open the sunroof so it doesn't get even hotter!
Step 2. Connect a fan to the cigarette lighter if you want to increase airflow
Purchase an inexpensive 12-volt fan from an auto parts store or online retailer. Attach it to the sun visor or rear view mirror or mount it on the dash. Turn it on when you're driving to help circulate and cool you.
- For more cool air, hang a damp cloth over the fan.
- Another option is a solar powered fan if you live in a place that has a lot of sunlight.
Step 3. Install glass tint on windshield and windows if legal
This will decrease the amount of direct sunlight entering the car. Check the regulations in your area to make sure it's legal. In some places it is not allowed to tint in a particular color or do it with the front windows, for example.
- The coloration of a window is measured in percentage based on the amount of light it lets through. For example, 35% allows 35% of the light to enter.
- The lower the degree of coloration, the darker the color.
- Take your car to a workshop to have it polarized or do it yourself.
- The coloring also protects the interior from UV radiation that can damage your car's upholstery and control panel.
Step 4. Park the car with the windows down 1/2 inch if you are in a safe area
This will allow the hot air to escape, which will keep the entire cabin cooler. Only leave the windows slightly open if the car is parked somewhere that has a low risk of being robbed. Use common sense when deciding whether to leave them open or not.
- Also check the weather. Don't roll your windows down if it's raining, unless you're parking in a covered area.
- If you park in your own garage, leave the windows open all the way down.
- Never leave children or pets in a hot parked car.
Step 5. Park in the shade or in a covered area to block sunlight
This will make a big difference in how cool the car will be when you arrive. Look for trees, parking lots, or even shadows of tall buildings or structures. The lowest level of a car park is the coldest.
- If you're going to be parked for a long time in a parking lot, try predicting which way the shadow will move based on the sun.
- If you can't find shade, create it yourself by putting sunscreens on all windows that are exposed to the sun.
Method 4 of 4: Change the way you travel
Step 1. Drive during the coldest times of the day such as early morning or evening
If your schedule allows, take most of your trips when the heat is more bearable or when there is less direct sunlight. Try not to drive home in the middle of the afternoon, for example.
- The time before the sun rises is usually the coldest of the day.
- Cloudy days also make for a cooler ride. However, avoid the rain because it means that you will not be able to open the windows.
Step 2. Don't drive in traffic where there is no draft
Dock-to-dock traffic means that the car is barely moving and if the windows are open, there will be almost no air going in or out. The atmosphere can get very suffocating.
- Rush hour is one of the worst times for traffic. In the morning, rush hour normally runs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. m. In the evening, it often lasts between 4 and 6 p.m. m.
- Other high traffic times or places are long weekends, construction areas, or days where there are important events in your area such as a concert or sporting event.
Step 3. Choose dark routes for your daily trips
The more time you spend out of direct sunlight, the colder you and your car will be. Tree-lined streets and roads are often darker than open ones. If possible, take wooded back roads when you go to run errands or to work.
Keep in mind that back roads or neighborhood tracks will make your commute to and from work longer. Modify the travel time accordingly
Warnings
- Car interiors can get dangerously hot in sunlight, so don't leave anyone or pets inside.
- Do not use dry ice in a vehicle, as it draws oxygen away when it sublimates and could cause suffocation in confined spaces.
- Be very careful when riding with flip flops, as they can get stuck under the pedal.
- It is illegal in some states and countries to have tinted front windows and windshields.
- Before opening the windows, secure all light objects that could fly into the driver's face or out of the window. Put heavy objects on top, like shoes.