3 Tips to Keep Your Car Cool

Driving in hot weather can be almost as miserable as driving through snow or ice. Fortunately, there are plenty of great tips on how to keep your car cool — most of which are easy and affordable. From grabbing that shady parking space to investing in cooled seats, there are a lot of different ways to beat the heat and keep your used car comfortable. Read on for more tips from CarHop!

Tip #1: Protect the Car Windows

Much of the heat inside your car enters through the windows. There are ways to reduce sun exposure and keep your car cooler, so when you’re ready to go, you don’t feel like you’re stepping into a furnace.

• Use Sunshades: Sunshades can help prevent the sun’s direct rays from entering your car, lowering the temperature of the cabin.
• Get Tinted Windows: Tinted windows are more expensive than sunshades, and there are some regulations you’ll need to follow depending on your state’s laws. Still, they’re a great way to constantly maintain the temperature inside your car without fumbling with sunshades.
• Choose Parking Spaces Wisely: If you’re parking your car, try to find a cool, shady spot under the cover of trees. When you park in the sun on a hot summer day, your car has no protection from the sun’s rays, meaning you’ll be very uncomfortable when you re-enter. Parking in the sun also isn’t advisable if you’re planning to wash your car or shine it with hair conditioner.
• Crack the Windows: Windows hold in hot air, so leaving them open slightly helps create air circulation. You can also crack the sunroof. Do this with discretion, however, as you don’t want to make your car a target for theft.

Tip #2: Keep the Car Seats Cool

Not only can too much sun exposure affect the appearance of your car’s upholstery, but it can also cause discomfort. In direct sunlight, your car’s seats can become scorchingly hot, especially if they’re leather. There are a few ways to make your seats more comfortable during summer weather:

• Consider buying a car with cloth seating instead of leather.
• If you can, invest in cooled and ventilated seats. This feature circulates cool air using fans and a mesh-like fabric on the seat.
• Cover the seats with towels or cloth seat covers when you’re not inside the vehicle.

Tip #3: Use the Air Conditioning System Correctly

Believe it or not, there’s a better way to use your car’s air conditioner than simply turning it on and hoping for the best. Remember that cars hold in warm air. When you enter your car and turn on the air conditioning, lower the rear windows for 10 to 20 seconds. This helps remove the warm air and fills the cabin with cooler air more quickly. Once the cabin is cool enough, use the air recirculating function with the air conditioning system to keep the temperature where you want it.

Let CarHop Be Your Guide to Car Care

With over forty locations throughout the country, CarHop is your source for tips and tricks to better maintain your car in any kind of weather. If you want more info on how to prep for seasonal changes, check out our guide to winterizing your car or find out how to get ready for a road trip. Contact us with any questions!