7 Great Tips To Stay Cool In Your Vehicle This Summer
Want to stay cool in your vehicle this summer without relying on the AC? Keep reading and discover some new ways to beat the heat this season.
1. Park in Shaded Areas
Starting with the obvious (or maybe not), avoid direct sunlight to improve comfort by seeking out shaded parking spots like carports or under trees (watch out for bird droppings!) or use underground lots. Leave windows slightly open (about an inch) in secure areas to let hot air escape and prevent heat buildup.
2. Invest in a Solar-Powered Fan
If you want to circulate air in your car without using the built in AC and unnecessarily using up fuel or causing wear and tear on your vehicles cooling system, consider investing in a solar-powered fan. Running a solar powered fan along with slightly opened windows can be a great solution to cooling yourself down in your car even during scorching days. These fans effectively circulate the air, expelling hot air and significantly lowering the car’s temperature.
3. Use Seat Covers
On hot scorching summer days, leather or vinyl seats can become unbearably hot. However the right seat covers can easily keep your car seats cool and comfortable to the touch. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, you can just as easily lay a blanket or towel on the seat to achieve the same effect. As an additional measure, consider covering your steering wheel too, as they can absorb just as much heat and make it very difficult for you to drive without burning your hands. Ouch!
4. Windshield Sun Visor
An extremely effective way to prevent your car from absorbing heat while parked for prolonged periods of time is to use a windshield sun shade made with a reflective material to blockout harmful UV rays and reflect the heat to help keep your car cool. There are many options available online, including this version that can be attached to your windshield directly for easy set up and removal.
5. Use Window Curtains
A less thought-of, yet extremely effective option is to install window curtains to your car. This is a simple yet clever way to block the sun out from passenger windows. Some high-quality and ready-to-install window curtain kits are available on the market today, however if you are willing to tackle a rewarding beginner friendly DIY project, take a look at The Urban Rover’s DIY Window Curtain Guide!
6. Use a Dash Cover
An commonly overlooked component of a car that absorbs tons of heat is the dashboard. Because of the material and size, your dashboard could be causing your vehicle to heat up, and even stay hot for longer periods of time. A simple fabric or upholstered dash cover will go a long way towards reducing heat and protecting susceptible vinyl from sun damage which can cause fading and cracking. Many dash covers are universal, but if you’re looking for something a bit more curated, some options specific to your make and model are available as well.
7. Tinted windows
Hands down one of the best and most effective ways to keep your car cool during the summer is to invest in quality window tints. If you frequently need to park your car in the sun, investing in a high-quality window tint can reduce heat by up to a whopping 80% and protect you from harmful UV rays, depending on the tint percentage and materials. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, install the window tints yourself by following our DIY guide for Installing Tints On To Your Car Windows
However it is important that you understand the regulations and which level of tinting is permissible in your locality by checking in with your state or county vehicle codes. You can perform a search here to find up to date information here.
And There You Have It
7 tips to keeping your car cool without turning on the AC during the summer heat. Utilizing one or a combination of a few is guaranteed to keep you cooler this season. Additionally, make sure to always stay properly hydrated and avoid harmful UV rays from the direct sunlight. Be sure to check back for more DIY guides and tips to compliment the nomadic lifestyle here at The Urban Rover.
-See you later, Street Adventurer
