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7 ways to stay cool in your car this summer

As the UK experiences a heatwave, we take a look at how to stay cool in your vehicle this summer.

Air conditioning systems need to be serviced regularly to ensure they are efficient and safe for use

Air conditioning systems need to be serviced regularly to ensure they are efficient and safe for use

With the UK sweltering today, on the hottest day of 2015 and the heatwave set to continue, we look at 7 ways to stay cool in the summer heat.

1. Get your air-conditioning serviced

Air-conditioning is by far the most effective way to stay cool and maintain a steady temperature in your car but is your air-con working as efficiently as it should be?

Experts predict that 10% of the gas used to lower the air temperature leaks out of the system every year, so if your car is a few years old it may require a service for optimum efficiency.

2. Drink plenty of water

Make sure you drink plenty of water and that you take extra in case you get stuck in traffic. Our bodies are made up primarily of water, which we constantly need to replenish – especially true in warmer weather when we sweat more.

3. Buy a convertible

Despite our rather unpredictable weather, the UK is the second largest convertible market in Europe. At Arnold Clark we have a huge range of used convertibles to choose from to keep you cool this summer.

4. Park your car in the shade

While it may seem obvious, parking your car in the shade will reduce the interior temperature of your car significantly and make it less likely to feel like an oven when you return.

5. Travel when the roads are quiet (if possible)

Travelling when the roads are busy will mean you’re more likely to be driving slower and get stuck in more traffic jams – something that prevents the steady flow of air if you have the windows or sunroof open.

6. Open the sunroof

Driving with the sunroof open, while technically not lowering the temperature, will make you feel cooler because the air is flowing rather than remaining stationary.

Search cars available with sunroofs.

7. Buy a white car

While not as obvious as buying a convertible to keep cool, a white car is proven to be significantly cooler than other colours: thanks to its reflective qualities, it will absorb less heat. What’s more, white cars tend to hold their value better when it comes time to trading it in, as they are always incredibly popular.

About the Author

Jonathan Munton

Staff writer at Arnold Clark

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