There are several methods that car owners can employ to cool down the driver’s cabin:
Cover the steering wheel with a cloth
The steering wheel is often made of leather or carbon fiber, which can absorb and retain heat. By covering it with a cloth, you can prevent direct sunlight from heating it up when the car is parked.
The gear shift knob can also get hot quickly. Before leaving the car, place a wet wipe on it to block the sun’s rays. Choose wipes with a low concentration of cleaning agents to avoid damaging the surface.
Use a car cover
Covering your car with a tarp helps reduce the sun’s direct contact with the metal body, similar to how a lid cools down a boiling pot. Additionally, reflective sunshades can be used for the steering wheel and dashboard, and heat-insulating window films are a popular choice for many car owners.
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Open one window and repeatedly open and close the opposite door
One of the quickest ways to cool down the cabin is to open one window and repeatedly open and close the opposite door about 5-10 times to push out the hot air.
Leave a slight gap in the windows or sunroof when parked
Experienced drivers recommend leaving the windows or sunroof slightly open when parking outdoors to allow hot air to escape.
Park in the shade
Whenever possible, park your car in a shaded area, underground garage, or in the shadow of a building or tree. If no shade is available, use a sunshade or sun-blocking curtains inside the car, especially for the windshield, to keep the cabin cooler.
According to VTC News
Frequently asked questions
When a car is parked in direct sunlight, the greenhouse effect comes into play. The sun’s rays pass through the car’s windows and are absorbed by the interior, including the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel. This absorbed energy is then re-radiated as heat, which gets trapped inside the car due to the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere.
There are several ways to keep your car cool when parking in the sun. One effective method is to use a sunshade on the windshield to block direct sunlight from entering the car. You can also open the windows slightly to allow hot air to escape and create cross-ventilation. Additionally, parking in a shaded area or using a reflective sun cover for the entire car can significantly reduce the internal temperature.
Maintaining your car’s air conditioning system is crucial for comfort during hot weather. Regularly check and replace the cabin air filter, and ensure the AC unit is serviced and charged with refrigerant as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Keeping the car interior clean and free of clutter also helps, as it allows for better air circulation and reduces the absorption of heat.
Yes, there are natural ways to cool down a car. One method is to open all the doors for a few minutes to let the hot air escape and create a ‘chimney effect’. You can also use natural, chemical-free cooling agents like bamboo charcoal bags, which absorb moisture and odors and help regulate the temperature inside the car.
To prevent sun damage, you can apply a UV-protective coating or film to your car’s windows, which blocks a significant amount of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Using sun shades, as mentioned earlier, also helps protect the dashboard and steering wheel from direct sunlight. Regularly cleaning and conditioning the interior surfaces, especially leather or vinyl, will also reduce sun damage and keep your car looking newer for longer.
