As UK temperatures continue to soar this summer, your car’s cabin can quickly turn into an oven. Step inside a vehicle that's been sitting in the sun for even half an hour and you'll know all about it, from the scorching steering wheel and gear stick to the leather seat you can barely sit on, driving a baking hot car isn’t much fun.
A roasting cabin isn't just uncomfortable either, it can be dangerous. When the heat starts to leave you irritable and distracted, your concentration on the road can quickly dip. That’s why we’ve rounded up these 5 handy car cooling tips. With a few simple habits and a little forward planning, you can take the edge off the heat before you even turn the key.
We'll start with the most effective solution by far, a fully functioning air conditioning system, and then run through some extra hacks and habits that can help out when your AC isn’t on top form — or wasn’t fitted to your vehicle.
1. Look After Your Air Conditioning with an Aircon Regas
When it comes to keeping your car cool in summer, nothing comes close to efficient air conditioning system. It's the single most effective way to beat the heat, cooling the whole cabin quickly and keeping it comfortable no matter how high the temperature climbs. While other tips in this guide support it, a healthy air con system is what does the heavy lifting.
The catch is that air con only works well when it's in good condition. Over time, your car's system gradually loses refrigerant, the gas responsible for producing that lovely cold air. As levels drop, you'll notice the system struggling to cool the cabin, blowing air that's lukewarm at best.
The fix is an aircon regas, also known as an air conditioning recharge. This replenishes the refrigerant gas and lubricant in your system so it can get back to cooling efficiently. It's worth knowing that an aircon regas isn't part of a standard service or your MOT, so it's easily overlooked, which is exactly why so many cars head into summer with underperforming air con. A quick regas is the most reliable way to restore that cold-air blast when you need it most.
At Tyres4U, you can
add an air con recharge to your booking when you order tyres, carried out at one of our trusted local fitting centres. A regas typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, though this can vary depending on your system. However, if you find your air con is losing its cool more and more often, it's best to have the system checked for leaks rather than simply topping it up again and again.