How to cool your car as fast as possible on a hot summer day

A car parked in the summer sun for a long time will make the car feel like an oven. The scorching heat will make your seats hot like an oven, making it extremely uncomfortable to get in.

 

But here's the good news: There's a smarter way to cool things down—without running a crazy fan or opening doors all over the place. According to Julie Bausch Lent, managing editor of CarTalk.com, the digital version of NPR's long-running show about all things automotive, most drivers overlook a simple step that can make a big difference.

 

Here's how to keep your car's air conditioning system working at its best when you need it .

Tips to cool your car quickly that you may not know

It's all thanks to a dashboard feature you might have overlooked: the air recirculation button. " Most people don't even know what it does ," says Bausch Lent. " When you press that button, the car stops drawing in hot air from the outside and starts recirculating the air that's already in the cabin ."

 

It sounds simple. But when used correctly, it can make a big difference. Timing is key. If you press the button as soon as you get in the car—when the cabin is still hot—you're just recirculating that hot air. The air conditioning system will have to work harder, not more efficiently. So it's better to roll down the windows first, start driving, and let the trapped heat escape.

Don't leave the cycle mode on all day; it's designed for short trips, not long hauls.

 

Why does the recirculation button cool faster?

This gives the air conditioning system a head start. Instead of drawing in hot air from outside, the system works with already cooled air, essentially recirculating it, which saves a lot of work. The result is faster cooling and less fuel consumption.

It also affects your engine and fuel consumption. On hot days, the air conditioning system has to work harder to cool the outside air, which means the engine has to work harder, especially in older cars. Using the recirculation feature after the cabin has cooled down a bit will significantly reduce energy consumption.

Most new cars have a feature that automatically turns the air recirculation on and off as needed. If your car has this feature, use it.

How to use the air circulation button for maximum cooling

Step 1: Let the heat escape

Before you hit the recirculation button, roll down all the windows and drive for a minute or two. You want to push all the hot, stagnant air out first. Otherwise, you're just recirculating the air in the sauna.

Step 2: Turn on the air conditioner

Once the hot air is gone, turn the air conditioning on high.

Step 3: Now, press the air circulation button

Once the air is significantly cooler, press the button. The air conditioning will cool the air in the car more efficiently and the engine will not have to work as hard.

 

When else should you use the air recirculation button?

This button is not just for cooling. It can also improve the air quality in the car in specific situations:

In heavy traffic

Stuck behind a line of idling cars or a truck full of smoke? The air outside is full of exhaust fumes and particulates, and air circulation helps remove those pollutants from your lungs.

When passing through areas of polluted air

If you're driving through freshly fertilized fields, construction dust, or clouds of pollen, recirculating the air can reduce odors and allergens.

When should you avoid pressing the air recirculation button?

Think of air recirculation buttons like a fine perfume: best when used in moderation.

Continuous use, especially on long trips with a full car, can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide inside the car, making you feel sleepy or dizzy. It can also trap moisture, especially in damp or winter weather, which over time can lead to foggy windows or mold in the ventilation system.

Your car's air conditioning system needs a break too. That means opening the windows, turning off the air conditioner periodically, and letting in some fresh air.

Other ways to keep your car cool in the summer

Even without a technological upgrade, a few simple tips can help reduce temperatures:

1. Park in the shade . Even if it means walking a little farther, parking in the shade can make a 30 to 40 degree difference in temperature.
2. Use sun shades. They are inconvenient to fold up, but they block direct sunlight and protect the interior of your car from getting too hot.
3. Remote start. Starting your car 5 to 10 minutes before you get in will help the air conditioning kick in sooner—and your body get some rest.
4. Point your vents wisely. No rear seat vents? Point the front vents toward the ceiling for more even air circulation.
5. If your car has leather or dark-colored seats, add a fabric seat cover during the summer months. For a little extra, insulation can also help reduce heat.

In short, the heat recirculation button can significantly reduce the temperature if used wisely. Combined with a gentle breeze, a little timing, and a few smart habits, you'll have a cooler ride before your sunglasses even slip off your nose.