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Record-breaking heat waves are expected in multiple regions of the US this summer. So what can you do if your car’s air conditioning is not blowing ice cold? What are the best ways to cool your car without air conditioning?
Addressing mechanical issues is key, of course. There are well-known air-conditioning problems that can be diagnosed and fixed. For example, consider a new supply of R134Aa refrigerant.
But if all else fails—or if your car lacks AC altogether—then use one or more of these low-tech, ultra-cool hacks.
Car Window Shades
A sunshade placed over the front windshield immediately lowers the temperature.
The first common-sense strategy is to park your car in the shade. Keeping your car cool without air conditioning starts with keeping heat out of the cabin in the first place. Of course, that might mean walking further from a parking spot. But try to avoid heating your car with direct sun whenever possible.
If you can’t find a shady spot, whip out a windshield sunshade. They are an inexpensive and very effective car cooling hack. eBay offers a wide selection of affordable car shades custom-designed to fit your specific model’s windshield, as well as insulated one-size-fits-all products. Most of them easily fold away when not in use.
Venetian blinds have style and easily close to keep out the heat when the car is parked.
But you don’t have to stop at the front windshield. There are also shades to cover the side and back windows. Consider putting up side-window shades that roll down from the interior. You can conveniently unfurl the shade for road trips when the sun beats down on one side of the car. Or go old school with Venetian blinds (the kind with slats) for the rear window.
Tint Your Windows
Window tint comes in various shades and densities.
Adding a window film tint to your car’s glass is a long-term solution for keeping the car cooler. Most tints for sale on eBay show you how much of the UV rays are blocked. You don’t need a super dark limo-style tint to keep the car cooler.
Ceramic window tints offer superior UV and heat rejection without needing to be extremely dark. Ceramic tints utilize microscopic pieces of ceramic particles that are far superior in blocking out the heat. The material is similar to the ceramic tiles used in spacecraft.
Also see: “Benefits of a Precut Car Window Tint vs. Pro Installation.”
A cloth seat cover can make a hot ride much more comfortable.
Chilled Car Seat Covers
If your car has a vinyl-covered seat, now is the time to swap it for cloth. That will take care of sweaty backs sticking to the seats. In addition, leather seats now commonly come with tiny perforations to allow air movement.
Our article about adding cooled seats provides details about the full range of seat pads and conversion kits for adding ventilation. (Or maybe it’s time to upgrade to those racing seats you were considering.)
A fan with an icy water dispenser cools down a car nearly as fast as built-in AC.
Get a Car Floor Cooler or Fan
A simple car cooler device, available for around $50, can be nearly as effective as a built-in AC system. The cooler rests on the floorboard of a car and plugs into your car’s 12-volt power supply.
Flip it on to blow air over cold water. One container of water could last a full day, depending on the specific model. These units are similar to evaporative coolers, sometimes called “swamp coolers,” which were popular in the 1930s. They might not be a full-scale air conditioning system, but having one can make a long road trip much more comfortable.
An even lower-tech solution is a 12-volt car fan. You have probably seen long-haul truckers and postal workers use this trick. Just a little more airflow across your face can offer relief from the heat.
Crack the Windows
Don’t overlook the most obvious solutions. For example, the next time you park your car in the heat, remember to leave at least one window open by about an inch. That allows the heated interior air to escape, preventing the cabin from reaching intolerable temperatures. It would be hard for anyone to reach inside a small window opening. But don’t leave anything valuable in the car, just in case.
When you return to the car, you’ll want to crank the AC or fan to cool down your ride. At the same time, open the rear windows a few inches to allow the stagnant hot air to escape.
