Keeping Your Car Cool During a UK Heatwave

Looking for some summer heatwave tips? As the weather gets hotter and heatwaves start to roll in across the UK, you might start worrying about your car during your daily commute or before longer road trips. 

Here are some of the most important tips for keeping your car cool, calm and cared for.

Park in the shade when possible

Strategically parking your car in shaded areas, under trees and in covered car parks will significantly reduce the internal temperature you return to at the end of the day. If this isn’t an option, positioning your car so the sun hits the rear end rather than the dashboard can help.

Consider sun shades and a window cover

Reflective sun shades are ideal for keeping your cabin cool, and can double up to protect against frost in the winter. An easier (and cheaper) alternative is to cover your steering wheel or dashboard with a white cloth or towel, to keep the temps down when you return. If you have black leather seats, lighter coloured seat covers could be a valuable investment.

How to cool a car down quickly

Opening the front passenger window fully, and repeatedly opening and closing the driver’s side door can force the hot air out and quickly cool the cabin. Even though it looks a little strange, it does work!

Another option is to crack the windows and aim your aircon fans down, forcing the hot air up and out of the windows.

Look after your air conditioning

If you’ve noticed your aircon is not as effective as it once was, you may need an aircon service or re-gassing. An aircon service will ensure there are no leaks or blockages preventing air getting into the cabin. Replacing the cabin air filter can also increase airflow and help prevent allergens such as pollen entering the car.

Keep yourself cool

During heatwaves, fatigue, dehydration and reduced concentration are likely to affect everyone, particularly those who are more vulnerable. It is important to plan longer trips carefully, take regular breaks from driving and be prepared for every journey with a water bottle and anything else you may need to keep cool.

What to avoid leaving in your car

Avoid leaving hazardous items inside your car in the heat – particularly electronics, including vapes and e-cigarettes.

Vape pens’ lithium-ion batteries are particularly volatile when exposed to hot temperatures and can expand and rupture, especially when left in direct sunlight, such as on your dashboard or in a cupholder. The same goes for larger electronic devices such as power banks and laptops.

Even fizzy drinks, including your favourite canned energy drinks, can explode if the liquid expands, which at worst could damage your interior; at best… would be difficult to clean out of your car seats.

It goes without saying, never leave your pets or children in a hot car, even if you think it is for a short time. Interior temperatures can rise rapidly, and become life-threatening within minutes. 

Keeping your car safe in the heat

Top up coolant levels – coolant ensures the engine runs at the right temperature, and you don’t want to be caught off guard with an overheating car during a heat wave. If you top up yourself, always remember to double-check your car’s manual to ensure you are using the right type of coolant.

Engine Oil – to avoid engine damage and overheating (particularly likely in heavy traffic during hot weather), remember to check your engine oil regularly and top up when needed.

Check your tyres – an increase in temperatures can increase air pressure, which will put strain on tyres in poor condition. Double-check your tread depth and tyre pressure before longer journeys, especially if there has been a long heatwave.

Wiper blades - Ensure your wipers are in good condition and your screen wash is topped up – the sun glaring on your windscreen will make any streaks and debris very obvious, making any travel significantly more frustrating, especially if you’re already too hot.

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