We've all been there…arriving back at your vehicle after a long and tiring day at work, only to find it's absolutely baking hot inside! Vanarama's Laura Day reveals the quickest way to get your vehicle's temperature back down to normal, plus how to prevent it from heating up in the first place…
With the recent heatwave that's hit the UK, it's safe to say that nobody wants to get in a vehicle that's scorching hot. Sometimes you just can't escape it, but there are some things that can speed up the cooling process. Here are the best ones…
1. Switch the air-con on properly
Now, this might sound like teaching grandmother to suck eggs, but just in case you didn't know – there is a correct aircon setting to use. Select the 'external' air setting (the symbol on the switch usually shows an arrow entering the car), as opposed to the air recirculation button, which is usually a circular arrow.
The air outside of the vehicle will be cooler, so circulating this will cool the temperature down much quicker. Meanwhile, open all remaining windows as the air-con system will take a little while to become fully effective.
2. Use the lower air vents first
Hot air rises, so the trick is to blast the cooler, air-conditioned air into the footwells, forcing the hot air inside the vehicle upwards and out of the open windows.
Remember to shut off the upper vents on the dashboard and at the bottom of the windscreen, so that the full flow of cold air into the vehicle is directed upwards, forcing the warm air out.
3. Get going and keep the windows open
Once you've set off on your journey, keep the windows open for a short while to allow the hot air to escape. Once the air vents feel cooler than the temperature outside, that's your sign to shut the windows and re-adjust the upper air vents so that the cool air is blowing in your direction.
Voila! Now you can enjoy the icy-cold temperature inside your cool vehicle.
Do you need some advice on how to prevent your car getting piping hot in the first place? We've got you covered…
1. Use a windscreen sunshade
This is an ideal tool to keep the sun's rays away from the vehicle's interior. It's especially handy to keep the steering wheel and gear lever hidden, as they'll be the main touchpoints once you're back in the vehicle.
You can purchase them from most car accessory shops, and they're easy to use: simply place the sheet behind the sun visors once you've parked and that's it – job done!
2. Hot surface wipe down
Here's an easy one: use a wet, damp cloth to wipe over the vehicle parts that get hot, particularly the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake. It's a simple solution!
Even better – you could get seat covers for your seats, as we all know that most modern vehicles are often fitted with lovely leather (albeit hot material) seats.
3. Park your vehicle in the shade
If you can, park your vehicle under cover or under a tree – it's an easy way to prevent it from getting too warm. And remember, if you have a garage – use it! Even if it seems like an extra pain to do so in the summer, it will keep your car cool and secure.
So, do you now feel ready to face the blazing heat head on? Follow our simple steps and you'll be one step closer to a much cooler ride in your vehicle. The horrors of the summer heat whilst driving will no longer be a problem for you!
Enjoyed this article? Why not discover the 5 things every first-time van driver should know?
Alternatively, if you're interested in leasing a vehicle, call us on 01442 838195.
