Staying Cool in Your Un-Air Conditioned Car This Summer

We are all well aware that summertime heat can be a dangerous and even deadly thing. If we do not keep cool, the risks of over-heating and heat-related illnesses is very high. I'm sure you have read, over and over, tips for staying cool in your home without air conditioning or tips for staying cool outside when the temperatures soar. What about avoiding excessive heat in a vehicle with no air-conditioning?

The most obvious thing to do in the summertime when your vehicle has no working air-conditioning is to stay off the road, stay home or somewhere where you can control the environment better and therefore stay cool. But not everyone can avoid being on the go when the temperatures heat up--between jobs and errands, trips out and about are often unavoidable. Below are some ideas of things to do to keep cool in an un-air conditioned vehicle:

1) Travel only early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. This often requires lots of forethought and planning, and sometimes time-killing while out, but it's the best way to be safe and still get out when need be.

2) Obviously, roll down or open all available windows to allow for air circulation in the vehicle. In the summertime, never travel with windows closed tightly--the air inside can heat up to astronomical levels and roast a body easily.

3) Have lots of water on hand, both for drinking and for wetting cloths to keep cool. Drinking water helps to keep your internal body temperature down, therefore preventing heat related problems to a big degree. Avoid sugary drinks or caffeine, water is best.

4) Wet towels or cloths and wipe the insides of wrists, back of necks and even feet to stay cool. Even dampen your clothing if possible, anything to keep your body temperature cool.

5) When parking the car, try to park in the shade--even some shade is better than none to help keep the temperature down in the car's interior. Be careful when returning to the car, as the seats, steering wheel and the like will be burning hot to the touch.

6) If you absolutely must be in the car and the outing is lengthy, make stops along the way at air-conditioned places to cool off for a few minutes. Grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, libraries and such public places are easy places to spend a few minutes in cool air and maybe replenish your water supply.

All of that being said, the best way to stay cool with an un-air conditioned vehicle is to stay out of it and stay off the roads. While this is not always possible, with jobs and important, timely errands that must be taken care of, it is in your best interest to plan well and try to avoid being in the car when the temperatures rise dangerously. Safety first and foremost.