The Atlanta climate can heat up quick. With average highs at 80 or above from May through September, you have a long stretch of potentially warm weather to contend with. As the sun beats down on your vehicle, temperatures inside can peak at more than 200 degrees. No one likes to sweat it out in a sweltering vehicle, so try these tips to keep your car cool and comfortable, no matter the weather.
Use a Sun Shade
Sun shades might seem kitschy, but they’re actually very effective. Pop up a reflective shade when you park and turn the reflective side to face the interior. Blocking sunlight from the steering wheel, seat belt buckles, and other key surfaces will lower their temperature dramatically, sometimes by as much as 50 degrees. Where you might have burned your hands before, you’ll now be able to touch your vehicle safely. Whether you go simple or silly with your design, a sun shade is a functional feature that will keep your car far more comfortable.
Push Hot Air Out
Before getting into a hot parked vehicle, fan some of the warm air out. Roll down the passenger side window, and fan the driver’s side door by opening and closing it quickly. This pushes air through the car and out the opposite side. The stifling air that’s built up inside the vehicle should make its way out the other side quickly and efficiently. This is a fast way to cool down your car before driving, though you might garner some unusual looks as you do it.
Cool Down Your Seats
Sitting on hot car seats can lead to unsightly sweat stains over long rides. Keep yourself comfortable by keeping your seats cooler. Cloth seats are more comfortable than leather in hot weather, so keep this in mind when you’re buying a new vehicle. Some new vehicles up the ante in this area by featuring air-conditioned seats, which circulate cool air through a porous mesh fabric.
If you already have leather seats, consider using a cloth seat cover or towel during the hottest months of the year. Cooling gel cushions are available for your car seats, as well, though you’ll want to keep these in the house when they’re not in use to maintain their efficacy.
Use Your Air Conditioner Right
Get the best performance from your car’s air conditioner by turning it on full blast when you first start the vehicle. Drive with your windows down for the first 10 to 20 minutes to allow hot air to escape while your AC system pumps cooler air in. When you’ve reached a comfortable temperature in the car, roll your windows up and set the air conditioner to use recirculating air. This will keep your space as chilled as possible.
With these smart tactics, you can battle the worst of the summer weather effectively while you’re confined to your car. Stay comfortable on the road so your vacations aren’t hindered by the heat.
Image via Mr.TinDC | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0
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