YES, it’s hot in the summer, but there are many ways to deal with the scorching-hot conditions during road-trip season. And sometimes, the solution to summer’s headache-inducing temperatures is an affordable off-the-shelf car product or a simple press of a button.
Most modern vehicles – especially top-of-the-line offerings – are already well-equipped to keep you and your car cool even when it’s positively sweltering outside. It’s really just a matter of finding the right feature or accessory to use. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of such items to help make the summer heat that much more bearable for both car and driver:
1) Automatic climate control
If you drive a higher-spec’d offering, chances are it comes equipped with automatic climate control. This assigns temperature-modulation duties to the car’s A/C system, as opposed to leaving you fiddling about with dials and knobs throughout the duration of your sun-lit drive.
2) Rear A/C vents
A simple but effective solution. Most offerings with third rows already come with rear A/C vents, but these days, it isn’t uncommon for smaller sedans to come equipped with them, too. It’s a convenient feature since the rear cabin area takes quite a while longer to get cool during the summer season.
3) Seat cooler
Not many cars have this feature, but when they do, seat coolers provide sweet relief for occupants looking to avoid sizzling their ass off after leaving their ride parked under the sun for too long.
4) Remote ignition and A/C system
Wary of entering your car after leaving it out in the open all day? Simply whip out your key fob, start your car remotely, and voila! The A/C system switches on along with it. Now all you need to do is wait for your ride to cool down before getting in.
5) Fabric seats
The premium feel of leather is nice. But the burning sensation you get after making contact with leather seats that have been exposed to the sun for too long? Not so much. So yeah, fabric seats have their advantages – and besides, plenty of them are high-quality these days, too.
6) Seat covers
Depending on its design or material, a seat cover can provide an occupant’s backside with better ventilation and cooling. Just don’t go for the leather ones because, well, leather.
7) Car cover
Contaminants like tree sap and bird droppings can damage your car’s paint if they dry up or get baked under the sun. One surefire way to prevent this from happening is by equipping your ride with a car cover when it’s parked out in the open.
8) Windshield visor
If you have one, always pop it across your windshield when you have to park your car under the sun. Not only does it prevent the sun’s rays from turning your cabin into a microwave on wheels, it also helps protect your trim and dashboard from exposure to harmful ultraviolet light.
9) Sunglasses
Why? Because it’s bright as hell out during the summer. If you’re going to be on the road for a while, remember to wear appropriate eyewear to help reduce the strain on your vision. Be sure not to leave your sunglasses in the car, too, as high temperatures can warp or even melt them.
10) Thermal jug
Who doesn’t love a nice cold drink in the middle of a scorching hot day? Sometimes, it’s the little things that count. (topgear.com.ph)
