How To Keep a Car Cool in Summer

How to keep a car cool in summer?

On hot days in the UK, stepping into a hot car can feel more like entering a greenhouse than getting ready for a relaxing drive. Heatwaves in recent years have seen temperatures regularly climb above 30°C, making parked vehicles prone to becoming dangerously hot, particularly for children and pets.

For families, commuters, and pet owners, knowing how to keep a car cool in summer is becoming increasingly important for your health and safety.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to reduce cabin heat and keep everyone inside the vehicle feeling comfortable. In this article, we’ll explore clever parking habits, how the AC system works, and Kia App’s climate control features that keep your car cool when the temperature rises.

Tips to cool your car quickly

1. Park smart

Finding a shady area to park can cut interior temperatures dramatically. Look for tree cover, multi-storey car parks, or position your car so the sun hits the rear of the windscreen. If you’re parked at home, a car cover or windscreen shade helps reduce direct exposure.

2. Use sunshades to block the sun

Reflective sunshades can reduce heat build-up and protect the main touchpoints in your vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, gear leaver and upholstery from the sun’s rays. This can also help to prevent cracking or fading.

3. Vent your cabin before driving

Before you start the engine, open all the doors for a couple of minutes to help hot air escape quickly, and close them once you start driving.

4. Turn on the air conditioning (AC)

Once the worst of the hot air has been released, switch on the air conditioning to begin cooling the interior.

How does the car air conditioning system (AC) work?

The air conditioning system (AC) circulates refrigerant to absorb heat from inside the cabin and releases it outside. The cooled air is then pushed back through the vents.

Most drivers switch the air conditioning (AC) on without giving it a second thought. But, using it correctly can help cool the cabin quickly and reduce the load on the system. Start with the fresh air setting to draw in cooler air from outside rather than recirculating the hot air already inside the vehicle. Keep the windows open briefly to help release built-up heat.

Direct cool air through the lower footwell vents first. This helps to push warm air upwards and out, speeding up the cooling process. Once the temperature drops, you can switch back to upper vents for even airflow.

In Kia vehicles, this process is enhanced by dual or tri-zone climate control systems, allowing the driver and passengers to set individual temperature preferences. A number of Kia models, such as the Kia EV9 and Sportage , offer ventilated seats, which are ideal for long journeys in the sun.

The Kia App offers even more control in warm weather, allow you to remotely start your vehicle and pre-cool the cabin before getting in. This feature is available on select Kia EVs only and does not work on petrol, hybrid , or Plug-In-Hybrid models.

Can you use the car’s climate control to keep your pet cool?

If you’re travelling in the car with your pet, such as a dog, knowing how to keep it cool in the heat is critical.

A hot car can be dangerous for pets within a few minutes, even on milder days, but remote pre-cooling can help keep the cabin at a pet-friendly temperature. However, it’s recommended that you never leave pets unattended in a vehicle, especially in a hot vehicle, even for a short period.

On the road, use cooling mats, ventilated crates, and window shades designed for pets to create a comfortable and cool space for them to rest during the journey. You can even open the windows slightly to allow air to flow through the cabin. Invest in pet-friendly accessories, such as durable boot liners or seat covers, to support comfortable for your pet while protecting your car’s interior.

Are black cars hotter in summer?

Darker-coloured vehicles, like black cars, tend to absorb more sunlight and convert it into heat, which can raise the cabin temperature significantly. In contrast, lighter colours, particularly white, reflect more sunlight, making them noticeably cooler in warmer weather.

Leather and artificial leather seats, also retain heat, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. Using a breathable seat cover or towel over the seat when the vehicle is parked can help reduce the surface temperature. Child car seats are also prone to overheating, so it's best to remove them when not in use.

Cooler driving made easy with Kia

Rising summer temperatures are becoming a regular part of life in the UK. By taking a few simple precautions and making the most of built-in technology and the Kia App , you can keep your car cool and passengers comfortable for the entire journey.