How to keep your car cool in a heatwave

When a heatwave hits the UK, we’re often unprepared, especially when it comes to our vehicles. Cars can quickly become unbearably hot inside, posing discomfort and even health risks. Whether you're commuting, running errands, or heading off on a road trip, knowing how to keep your car cool or cool it down quickly is essential.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you protect your vehicle and yourself during hot weather.

Why keeping your car cool matters

• Health & safety - Temperatures inside a parked car can rise dramatically in minutes, increasing the risk of heatstroke, especially for children, pets, and the elderly.
  
  
• Vehicle performance - Excessive heat can put stress on your battery, tyres, and cooling system.
  
  
• Comfort - Driving in a stifling hot car is not only unpleasant but also distracting, which can affect your concentration on the road.
  
  

Top tips to keep your car cool during a heatwave

1. Park in the shade whenever possible

Seek out shaded areas—under trees, next to buildings, or inside multi-storey car parks. Even partial shade can significantly reduce the internal temperature of your vehicle.

Tip: Use apps like Google Maps or Parkopedia to find shaded or covered parking spots.

2. Use a windscreen sunshade

Reflective sunshades block direct sunlight and can reduce the cabin temperature by several degrees. They're a small investment that can make a big difference, especially during prolonged parking.

Bonus: They also protect your dashboard and upholstery from sun damage.

3. Crack your windows (slightly)

Leaving your windows open just a centimetre or two allows hot air to escape and improves ventilation. Make sure the opening is small enough to prevent theft or rain from getting in.

4. Invest in window tints or sunshades

Tinted windows or stick-on mesh sunshades help block UV rays and keep your car cooler. They’re especially useful for backseat passengers or those with young children.

5. Cover your steering wheel and seats

Use cloth seat covers and a steering wheel cover to prevent burning your hands or legs when you get back in. Leather and dark interiors can become dangerously hot under direct sunlight.

How to cool down your car quickly

1. Open all doors for cross-ventilation

Before starting the engine, open all the car doors for a minute or two to release the trapped hot air.

Quick hack: Open the driver’s door and repeatedly open and close the passenger side door to fan out the hot air.

2. Blast the A/C while driving, not idling

Your air conditioning works best when the engine is running and the car is moving. Start driving with the windows slightly down, and once the hot air is flushed out, roll them up and let the A/C do the rest.

3. Use the ‘recirculate’ setting

Once the air inside is cooler than the outside air, switch your A/C to ‘recirculate’. This helps maintain the cool temperature without overloading the system with warm outside air.

4. Avoid using max A/C immediately

Using the max A/C setting when the cabin is still very hot can slow down the cooling process. Instead, let the hot air escape first, then gradually lower the temperature.

5. Keep an eye on engine temperature

In very hot conditions, your engine may overheat. Make sure coolant levels are topped up, and don’t ignore warning lights. If your engine is running hot, pull over and let it cool down before continuing.

Bonus tips for drivers during hot weather

• Check your tyre pressure regularly - Heat causes air to expand, which can lead to over-inflation and blowouts.
  
  
• Stay hydrated - Keep a bottle of water in the car, preferably in a cooler or insulated bottle.
  
  
• Never leave pets or children in a parked car - even for a few minutes. Temperatures can become fatal in less than 10 minutes.
  
  
• Use a dashboard thermometer - Knowing the temperature inside your car can help you take the right precautions.
  
  

Stay cool and in the know

While the UK isn’t known for tropical temperatures, our vehicles aren’t built for extreme heat either. Simple steps like using sunshades, parking smart, and maintaining your A/C can go a long way in keeping your car cool and comfortable.

And remember, if you experience any heat-related car issues like a flat battery or tyre blowout, ensure your insurance and breakdown cover are up to date. At Compare UK Quotes, we make it easy to find the right level of protection at the best price.