If you don't have air conditioning, the inside of your car gets even hotter.That's very bad!Whether it's using frozen ice packs, wearing lighter clothes, or improving the air flow in your car, there are ways to stay cool.During cooler times of the day, you can travel different routes to beat the heat.
Step 1: To stay hydrated, drink a cold beverage.
Your body regulates its temperature by being hydrated.Iced coffee or tea is a good cold drink to sip on.Drink frequently throughout the day and aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.Your body is already dehydrated if you wait until you feel thirsty.Cold drinks should be kept in an insulated thermos or travel mug.
Step 2: Put ice on your neck and wrists.
The part of your brain that controls your body temperature is connected to these pulse points.It will cool you off quicker if you place something cold on these areas.Your temples and the spot behind your knees are some of the pulse points.Cold water can be sprayed on your pulse points with a spray bottle.If you don't have an ice pack, drape a cold rag over the pulse points.
Step 3: If the car blows out air, hang a wet rag over the middle vent.
If there is air coming out of your AC vent, you can cool it down with a damp cloth.The rag needs to be secured to the top of the vent.If you want to replace it with wet rags, make sure you have a few.It's a good idea to freeze your rags ahead of time.If you freeze them flat, they will cover the vents when they hang.When you leave your car, don't leave the rags in it.
Step 4: To cool the air, put a block of ice in a pan.
The ice will lower the temperature of the air when it passes over it.If you want to prevent melted ice from leaking over your car, place the ice block in a plastic pan or baking tin.Ice cubes can be put in a container.Put the lid on the floor.Back-up ice can be brought in an insulated cooler.
Step 5: Light fabrics like cotton or linen can be used for loose clothing.
Hot air escapes and cool air enters when you wear tight clothes that sit away from your skin.Look for fabrics that allow more air to pass through.There are other fabrics besides linen and cotton.If you're a man or a woman, you should wear a loose, cotton T-shirt.
Step 6: Light colored clothing reflects the sun.
Pale shades keep you cooler because they don't absorb as much heat from the sun.White is the most effective color since it reflects all of the light's wavelength, but lighter shades of red and yellow are equally effective.Don't use dark colors like black or navy.They make you feel hotter.You should keep a change of clothes in your car.
Step 7: If it's legal in your area, drive barefoot.
Your feet control your body temperature.Don't put them in closed-toe shoes.Keeping them exposed will help release heat from your body.Driving barefoot is legal in your area if you check your local traffic laws.Driving in sandals or open-toed shoes will help keep you cool.There should be no sharp objects on the floor, like a screw or piece of glass.
Step 8: If you have long hair, remove it from your neck.
Since the back of your neck is a pulse point, covering it will heat up your body faster.If you have long hair, pull it up in a ponytail or bun while you drive.You can keep your hair off your neck with double braids or a French twist.It's a good idea to wet your hair before putting it up.The air dries out your hair as you drive.
Step 9: To allow air to pass through the windows, Roll down at least 2 windows.
If you only open one window, the air will not circulate as well, and you may also get a bass "thumping" noise caused by resonance at certain speeds.Depending on how much air you want, adjust how far down you put the windows.Turn on the fan if you have a fan-operated fresh air vent.You can draw a draft by opening a rear window.The fresh air will come in even more when the car's back window is opened.If it's sunny out, wear a hat because you don't want to get even hotter.
Step 10: If you want to increase air flow, put a fan into a cigarette lighter.
You can buy a fan from an auto parts store.Stand it on the dashboard or clip it onto the sun visor.It's a good idea to switch this on while you're driving to help circulate the air.If you want extra cool air, hang a damp rag on the fan.If you live in a place with a lot of bright sunlight, a solar-powered fan is an option.
Step 11: If window tint is legal, install it on your windows.
The amount of sunlight coming into your car is reduced.Ensure this is legal by checking the laws in your area.For example, some places don't allow tint on the front windows that is dark.The percentage of window tint depends on how much light it lets through.40% lets in 40% of the light.The lower the tint percentage, the darker it is.If you want to tint the windows yourself, take your car to an auto shop.UV radiation can damage your car's upholstery and dashboard if you tint it.
Step 12: If you are in a safe area, park with the windows down.
The whole cabin is cooler because the hot air escapes.If your car is parked somewhere where the risk of theft is low, leave your windows cracked.Common sense tells you not to leave them open.Check the weather as well.If it's raining, park in a covered area and don't roll the windows down.Roll the windows down if you're parked in a private garage.Kids and pets should never be left in a hot car.
Step 13: If you want to block the sun, park in the shade or in a covered area.
Your car will be cooler when you come back.There are trees, parking garages, and even shadows from tall buildings.The lowest level of a parking garage is cool.If you're going to be parked for a long period of time, try to predict where the shade will move based on the sun.Sun shields can be placed on any windows that are exposed to sunlight.
Step 14: It's a good idea to drive during the cooler times of the day.
If your schedule allows for it, you should travel as much as you can when the heat is less oppressive.Try not to drive home in the afternoon.The day is usually cooler before the sun rises.It's cooler on overcast days.If you get rain, you won't be able to open your windows.
Step 15: You won't get any air if you drive in traffic.
If your windows are open, there is barely any air coming in or out.This can make it very hard to breathe.It's one of the worst times for traffic.The rush hour is from 7 to 9 a.m.You can find it in the evening from about 4-7 p.m. Other times include holiday weekends, construction areas, and days when there are major events in your area like a concert or sports event.
Step 16: You can choose shady routes for your travel.
You and your car will be cooler if you spend more time out in the sun.The streets and roads are often tree-lined.If possible, take the backroads if possible.Backroads and neighborhood roads can make your commute longer.You should adjust your travel time.