How to keep your car and yourself cool in the summer

Your car turns into a greenhouse

I never forgot a lesson in my Applied Algebra class, where I learned that a car parked in the sun with the windows closed is like a greenhouse (or oven). The temperature can quickly increase to unbearable heights when the air heats up by the sun and is trapped in the car. Everything in the car turns hot, steering wheel, seats and dashboard. This may be okay during the winter, but it is a pain in the summer when the air outside your car doesn’t feel much better.

There are a couple of steps I take to lessen this problem and they have been working great for me. For some reason my husband doesn’t see the need to follow any of these tips, so his car gets really hot in the summer. Must be a guy thing! And then they say it’s impossible to understand women… LOL

Tips to keep your car cool in the summer

• Leave the windows cracked so hot air can escape and doesn’t build up; a tiny crack is better than none. Unless a rainstorm is expected, so be sure to check the weather too.
• Use a windshield shade that reflects the sun rays away. This helps to block the sun partially from heating the interior of your car.
• Park in the shade, under a tree or next to a tall building. Works like a giant windshield shade.
• Cover your seat and steering wheel with a towel, creating a barrier against the sun rays.
• Before you get in, swing the car doors open and close to get the hot air out faster.
• Open all windows with the AC or fan on while driving to expel the hot air faster.

Your car may still be a bit hot, but it will cool off a lot faster using any (or all) of these tips. How do you keep your car cool in the summer? Share your tips in the comments below.

 

 

Tips to keep yourself cool in the summer

Besides running your AC to frigid temps or hiding in an air-conditioned house or shopping mall all summer long, there are some things you can do to stay cool when traveling by car.

• Always, always have a bottle of water with you. Even better, add ice cubes. Extra tip: Freeze a ¾ filled bottle of water to take with you. By the time you’re thirsty, it will have melted at least half way.
• Keep your beverage in a small ice cooler or insulated cooler bag.
• Direct cool air from the AC to the windshields to help cool off the glass.
• Air directed to the ceiling helps too. Since cool air is heavier, it pushes hot air down, dropping the temperature faster.
• Cover your arms while driving; not only will it keep you cool, you will prevent having two skin tones on your arm.

Driver’s tan

Have you noticed how the part of your arm exposed to the sun is usually darker than the underside? While that may be okay for a salamander, it doesn’t look so cool on us ladies. What about that long term “bracelet” caused by wearing a watch during the daily commute? That’s called a “driver’s tan” and it’s not so fashionable!

If only the sun would be on the other side of the car when I’m driving … Unfortunately we can’t always choose our office location for a favorable commute. In my case, I am exposed to full sun on my arms driving to and from work. The heat on my skin doesn’t feel comfortable but it’s bearable. I just can’t imagine that the frequent exposure to direct sunlight, which is probably magnified by the windshield, can be good for our skin.

Finding a solution

Each day during my commute, I would think of ways to solve the problem. Put on a cardigan, cover the arms with a blanket, or a scarf? Tried it all, until I finally figured out what worked and developed a solution for this pesky problem. Maybe it bothers no one else to tan unevenly on the arms, but I’m glad I found something that works for me.

Do you want to find out how exactly I solved this issue? Click on the image below to learn more.