Driving without air conditioning in hot weather - how to survive?
As a rule, a vacation is a long journey. Torment in a car without air conditioning. What can be done to make this driving safe?
Heat is easier to bear in an air-conditioned room. Just set the desired temperature and even parking in traffic jams in the bright sun will be easier. However, not all cars have air conditioning. How to make a long journey through the heat not tiring?
* ventilate the cabin before the trip,
* ensure a constant supply of air to the cabin,
*use sunglasses,
* drink a lot,
* observe your own reactions and behavior of passengers, especially children,
* plan breaks in the trip.
Tilt windows and use vents
If we cannot plan a trip in such a way as to avoid driving in the hottest heat, we must properly prepare for the trip. Before we leave, let's make sure the car isn't too hot. If the car was parked in the sun, do not move immediately after getting into it. To begin with, let's ventilate the interior by opening all the doors. It is also worth starting the engine and turning on the ventilation. The incoming air will cool the heated elements of the cabin airflow system. The first kilometers, especially if we drive them in the city, where we often stop at intersections and move at low speeds, must be overcome with the windows open. This will further cool the interior.
You're accelerating, close the windows
After leaving the settlement, when we increase the speed of movement, we should close the windows. Driving with the windows all the way down creates a draft in the cabin, which can lead to colds. In addition, fuel consumption increases and the noise level in the cabin increases significantly. We must use the airflow to ensure that it is replaced in the cabin, but do not turn the fan on full speed and do not direct the air to the face. If we have a sunroof, we can tilt it, which will greatly improve air circulation.
You're riding in the sun, put on your glasses
On sunny days, we must drive in sunglasses. It is worth investing in more expensive products equipped with UV filters that will simultaneously protect against excessive light and harmful radiation.
See also:
– By car in Europe – speed limits, tolls, rules
– Route planning is a way to avoid traffic jams. Avoid them on side roads
- Are you going on a long trip? Check out how to prepare
A popular solution that reduces the amount of light in the car interior and at the same time causes less heat in the car interior are curtains installed on the rear door windows and rear window. The impact and heating of the passenger compartment can be limited by installing films on the windows, but we must remember to stick films that comply with the requirements of Polish regulations.
You need to drink a lot
When driving a car in high temperatures, it is extremely important to systematically top up the fluid. We don't have to wait for a stop. We can drink and drive. – In hot weather, it is best to drink non-carbonated mineral water or isotonic drinks, advises Dr. Eva Tylets-Osobka. I don’t recommend coffee in such a situation, as it accelerates dehydration. If we feel tired, we decide to rest instead of stimulating ourselves with coffee.
While driving, we must ensure that children, especially the youngest, drink the right amount of drinks. Babies are more prone to dehydration than older children and adults, and they don't tell us about their needs. If your child falls asleep, this should get our attention. Less mobility and lethargy are the first symptoms of dehydration.
When should you stop?
The driver and passengers should be concerned about the following symptoms:
* intense sweating,
* increased thirst,
* feelings of anxiety
* weakness,
* lethargy and decreased concentration.
In such situations, we must make the decision to stop. We must plan for breaks along the way, but we often rely on our own strength and development along the way. The time that each of us can spend behind the wheel is an individual matter. It depends on many factors, including how we feel, the distance we have already traveled, and the air temperature.
The higher the temperature and the more kilometers we have driven, the more often we should stop. It is strictly forbidden to make stops less often than every three hours. When we stop, we must not only stretch our bones and do some exercises, but also ventilate the interior of the car. Remember that at an air temperature of 35 degrees Celsius in a parked, locked car, the temperature rises to more than 20 degrees after 50 minutes!
