The RAC has issued advice on how to cool down a car's interior quickly during a heatwave, as the Met Office has issued weather warnings for heat alerts this week. The tips come as drivers across the UK face scorching temperatures that can turn vehicles into unbearable mini saunas.
Step One: Use the Door-Swinging Technique
The RAC recommends opening both windows on one side of the car, then swinging a door on the opposite side back and forth several times. This action helps push hot air out of the vehicle, rapidly reducing the internal temperature before you even start the engine.
Step Two: Optimise Air Conditioning
Start the engine and turn on the air conditioning to its coldest setting. The RAC advises setting the system to draw air from outside, not recirculate, as external air will be cooler at this point. Once the air feels cool, close all windows and switch to recirculated air mode to keep the cold air inside. This method is more efficient and helps maintain a comfortable temperature.
Additional Tips and Public Reactions
The RAC also suggests parking in the shade whenever possible to prevent direct sunlight from heating the cabin. If shade is unavailable, angle the car so the windshield faces away from the sun during peak hours. Installing a reflective windshield sunshade can also block solar radiation and lower dashboard and steering wheel temperatures.
In response to the advice, some drivers expressed frustration about not having air conditioning. One person commented, "The worst part isn't the drive… it's touching the steering wheel after it's been sat in the sun." Another joked about trying the door-swinging technique: "I tried that door swingy thing in my driveway this morning, my neighbour looked at me and rolled his eyes!"
