Scientific method that instantly cools down your car – plus top tips for keeping your car cool

This spring bank holiday was the hottest on record.  While the sun may be perfect for enjoying a few mojitos on the garden there’s one thing it’s not good for – driving. 

With temperatures recorded as high as 34.8°c at Kew Gardens in London this weekend, there’s sure to be a few overheated drivers getting behind the wheel over the coming days. 

To help keep you cool on the road this summer we have a science-backed method that will cool your car down in seconds. 

Scientific hack for keeping your car cool in hot weather

The simple yet effective method works like this. Open the passenger side window and rapidly open and shut the driver’s-side door two or three times, using bulk flow and fluid dynamics the wafting motion of the door will pull cooler air through the cabin. 

For extra cooling, open both windows on the passenger side to allow more cool air through the car.  

To avoid injury, make sure to park in an area clear of traffic and check the path isn’t being used by pedestrians. 

5 more tips for keeping your car cool in summer

If standing in the street and fanning your door isn’t for you, here are 5 more tips to keep your car cool in hot weather. 

1. Blankets on the seats

Blankets may seem like something you only use in winter, but you can use them in sunny weather to keep your seats cool.  

Leaving blankets on the seats while the car isn’t in use can absorb heat and keep your driving experience cooler. 

When you’re ready to start your journey, simply throw the blankets in the boot and you’re good to go. 

2. Wipe your steering wheel with water

Consider keeping a bottle of water in the car to cool down your steering wheel, gear stick and seatbelt buckles. In the hot weather, the water will evaporate quickly, taking much of the heat with it. 

Remember to dry off the the steering wheel before setting off to ensure you can get a good grip of it. 

3. Keep your windows open

Leaving your windows open a crack will help to ventilate the inside of the cabin while the car is not in use, keeping it much cooler. 

Make sure to only leave the windows down less than the width of a person’s arm to deter thieves and check the weather forecast for rain. The last thing you want to come back to on a hot day is a wet car seat! 

4. Don’t get in straight away

Did you know it only takes about 60 seconds for carbon dioxide to disperse once you open the door? If you leave your car for around a minute before getting in, you’ll be sure to have a much cooler start to your journey. 

5. Use cotton seat covers

If you have leather seats, cotton seat covers can be a great way to prevent heat building up. Leather seats can take around two hours to fully cool down but the cotton alternative is much faster. Covers can be found on Amazon for as low as £14.