How To Keep Your Car As Cool As Possible

This summer weather in the UK looks like it is here to stay.

Research carried out by SEAT has shown that if temperatures in your car reach above 35 degrees, it could impair your driving ability to the same effect of a 0.05 percent blood alcohol reading. That is close to the UK’s limit for drink driving of 0.08 percent.

The heat inside cars can make a driver’s reaction speeds drop by up to 20 per cent. Keeping cool inside your car isn’t just about being comfortable, it is also about safety.

Here are our top tips for making sure you and your car stay cool this summer…

Prepare Before The Heat Rises

Summer mornings are often slightly cooler than the soaring temperatures that can be reached by midday. Don’t wait until your car gets to that awfully hot stage before deciding to turn on your A/C. Start using your air-con in the morning when you get in the car to keep it as cool as possible. It is better for you and your car!

Stay In The Shade

This seems obvious but try and park out of the direct sunlight when you can. If you remember to, think ahead. If you’re going to be parking somewhere all day, think about where it will be in the shade the longest, most preferably the afternoon hours when the temperatures reach their hottest. Think about whether it will be in the shade when you are going to be getting back in it and you’ll be glad you’re getting into that nice, cool car.

Block The Sun

You’d apply sun cream to protect yourself when the sun comes out, so don’t treat your car any differently. Get a screen you can put in your windscreen when you are out that will reflect the sun away keeping it cool. Also, invest in some sunshades for the back windows to keep passengers cool on any journey.

Be Careful Of Leather

If your car has leather seats, then you will know how hot your seats get when you get in your car on a sunny day! When your car is parked, get into the habit of covering the seats with a blanket so they don’t get quite so hot that you can’t sit on them. If for any reason you can’t cover them, then wipe them down with a damp cloth before driving off and this should leave them a little bit cooler.

Crack Open The Window

When you get to your car after the sun has been on it all day, the first thing you will want to do is put the A/C on and drive home. However, by doing this straight away you’re letting the air con work harder. Instead, open your windows and doors a minute or two before you drive off to let all the hot air escape. If it is safe to do so, a better idea is to leave your windows open a little bit all day if you can.

Still too hot in your car? Here at Big Car Buyer we make it easy for you to sell your car no matter what via our website or by calling 0800 689 3645. We hope you’ve learnt some new tips to keep you cool during these summer months.