Drivers are only just realising how they can cool down their hot car even quicker by making just one change to their air conditioning. The UK had its hottest May Bank Holiday Monday on record, with temperatures reaching 34.8C in some areas.
The temperature smashed the previous May record of 32.8C, set in 1922 and again in 1944. With hot weather comes the challenge of keeping homes and vehicles cool and comfortable, as people could face issues such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Cars are particularly hard to keep cool in hot weather due to the windows and often dark interiors making them into greenhouses on wheels. Cars being too hot can make drivers feel uncomfortable as well as passengers that may include children, babies or those that are vulnerable.
Quick Air Conditioning Fix
An easy way to cool down vehicles is to use air conditioning, but it can take a while for the cool air to circulate before drivers and passengers feel comfortable again.
However, the RAC (Royal Automobile Club Limited), known for providing vehicle breakdown assistance, has told drivers they can cool down vehicles even quicker by making one change to their air conditioning.
They said: "Heat rises, so it makes sense to blast the cooler, air-conditioned air into the footwells, forcing the hot air already inside the car upwards and out of the open windows.
"Shut off the upper vents on the dashboard and at the base of the windscreen so that the full flow of air into the car is directed upwards.
"As the car begins to cool, slowly close the windows to ensure the cool air stays inside the cabin."
Additional Cooling Tips
Other tips and tricks the RAC recommended to drivers included parking in the shade where possible, covering the drivers seats with a blanket or jacket to stop the surfaces becoming too hot.
They also recommend carrying water and soft drinks at all times to stop the risk of dehydration and double check the car's air conditioning system to understand how it operates.
The RAC also recommends that drivers should check their cars using the FORCES acronym. F standing for fuel, O for oil, R for rubber, C for coolant, E for electric and S for screen wash.
