Maintaining Composure While Navigating Summer's Scorching Roads
In the midst of a heatwave, driving can become a challenge for both the driver and the vehicle. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Here's a comprehensive approach to keeping your car cool during extreme heat conditions.
**Keeping the Interior Cool**
*Parking in the shade* is an effective way to prevent direct sunlight from heating up the car. If shade isn't available, consider using *sunshades or reflective covers inside the windows* to block out harsh sunlight. *Cracking the windows slightly open* can also help hot air escape and prevent heat build-up, especially when the car is parked.
*Window tinting* is another method to reduce heat from sun rays entering the cabin. When starting your journey, open all windows for 10-20 seconds while turning on the AC/fan to pour out hot air, then roll up the front windows and keep the rear windows slightly open to circulate cooler air.
*Driving during cooler parts of the day*, such as early morning or late evening, can significantly improve your chances of a smooth journey due to less traffic and cooler temperatures.
*Pre-conditioning your electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle (EV or PHEV)* can help cool the cabin before setting off, using energy from the mains rather than the on-board battery pack.
**Maintaining the Car’s Engine and Preventing Overheating**
Regularly check and maintain coolant levels to ensure the cooling system is effective, especially before and during heatwaves. If your temperature gauge nears the red zone, safely pull over and turn off the engine, allowing it to cool before topping off any fluids to avoid burns from pressurized hot coolant.
*Turning on the heating system briefly during heavy traffic* can help dissipate engine heat away from the engine bay. Direct the heat vents out of windows to avoid cabin discomfort.
*Driving regularly* rather than letting the car sit unused during heatwaves, as driving helps keep fluids circulating and the battery charged.
*Keeping your battery terminals clean* and having battery strength tested is also important, as heat damages batteries more than cold does. Maintain *proper tire pressure* to prevent blowouts caused by heat expansion, and avoid unnecessary battery use when the engine is off to reduce heat stress on the battery system.
If your car has an *auto start/stop system*, consider disabling it in heavy traffic to keep the AC compressor running and maintain cabin cooling.
**Additional Tips**
*Staying hydrated* is crucial, especially when using the air conditioning. At low speeds, keeping a window open can help keep fresh air flowing through the car while the air conditioning is on. Using air conditioning strategically can also help improve fuel economy.
By combining these strategies, you can keep your vehicle cooler inside, protect your car’s mechanical components from heat stress, and drive safely during extreme heat conditions.
Remember, when driving, staying hydrated is crucial, especially when using the air conditioning. If the car appears to be overheating, slow down and stop as soon as safely possible. Public transport can be affected by hot weather, so it's advisable to check for disruptions ahead of time. Dust-covered roads will be less grippy than in typical wet conditions during summer showers.
Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
- Parking in the shade or using sunshades or reflective covers inside the windows can help keep the car cool when shade isn't available.
- Cracking the windows slightly open can also help hot air escape and prevent heat build-up, especially when the car is parked.
- Driving during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, can significantly improve your chances of a comfortable and safe journey.
- Pre-conditioning your electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle (EV or PHEV) can help cool the cabin before setting off, using energy from the mains rather than the on-board battery pack.
- Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when using the air conditioning, and at low speeds, keeping a window open can help keep fresh air flowing through the car while the air conditioning is on.
