Summer is well and truly on its way, with temperatures in some parts of the UK set to hit 28°C this week. As many of us start planning to make the most of the weather with BBQs, spending lunch breaks outside or days out with the kids, the sudden heat can cause one particular headache…hot car interiors.
As most car interiors are black or leather, they can quickly become hot to the touch and even worse to sit in, particularly when parked in the sunshine all day.
Here at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, we have revealed our top tips for keeping your car cool during the UK’s extreme temperatures this week, as well as warning against a common mistake most drivers make.
Using your A/C incorrectly wastes fuel, increases emissions, and can shorten the life of your cooling system.
- Fuel use: Poor A/C habits can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
- Strain on systems: Running A/C at full blast for long periods stresses the compressor.
- Costs: Inefficient use can lead to higher servicing and repair bills.
Using your car A/C efficiently keeps you cooler and saves you money.
It’s tempting, but did you know that if you just jump into a boiling car, blasting the A/C immediately isn’t actually the most efficient move?
“If you turn on your aircon full blast as soon as you get into your vehicle, you're essentially fighting against superheated air, the system has to work overtime trying to cool down the interior air trapped inside the car.
The heat from your dashboard, seats, and steering wheel radiates heat back into the air, so the A/C struggles because the inside air keeps reheating itself faster than the A/C can cool it. Most people also accidentally leave their A/C set to recirculate mode, which means, at first, this traps the hottest air and just keeps pushing it around inside, cooling it very slowly.
What you want initially is fresh, cooler outside air to replace the oven-like air inside. So you should always open the doors and windows for approximately 30-60 seconds to allow the trapped hot air to escape first.”
Follow these five steps to cool your car quickly and make your A/C work smarter, not harder.
- Open the doors and windows first (for 30-60 seconds) - This lets the worst of the trapped hot air escape before you even turn the car fully on. Hot air naturally wants out, and just a quick "air dump" can make a big difference to the temperature of your vehicle.
- Start driving with windows down - Get moving and keep the windows down for about a minute, this forces even more hot air out while fresh air rushes in.
- Turn A/C on - But ensure it’s set to "fresh air" mode (not recirculate), this will blow cold air into the car without recycling the leftover hot air from the interior.
- After a minute or two, switch to "recirculate" mode - Now that you’ve flushed out the hot air, recirculating the inside air (which is now cooler) will make cooling much faster and more efficient.
- Aim the vents at your lower body - Point vents down toward your chest and lap, as cooling the core of your body helps you feel comfortable faster.
Smart habits before you even get into your car can reduce the need for heavy A/C use:
- Use a sunshade behind your windscreen to reflect sunlight
- Park in the shade or use covered parking where possible
- Crack windows slightly open (if safe) to allow hot air to escape
- Cover leather seats and steering wheels with light cloths to prevent heat build-up
These small steps can lower cabin temperatures by several degrees before you even start driving.
Your air conditioning needs regular servicing to stay efficient. Refrigerant levels drop over time, filters clog, and compressors wear out if ignored. You should book an A/C service or recharge roughly every two years, or sooner if:
- The air feels warm instead of cold
- You notice strange smells from the vents
- The system makes unusual noises
- You see leaks after using the A/C
A basic service checks refrigerant levels, inspects for leaks, and cleans the system. It keeps cooling performance high and prevents costly repairs. For more advice, read our full guide on Car Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips.
If you're wondering how to use your car A/C efficiently, it starts before you even press the button. Dump the hot air, let the system breathe, and you’ll cool down faster, use less fuel, and stay more comfortable in the heat.
Take a look at our Driving in Summer – The Do’s and Don’ts blog for similar tips. We also publish weekly blogs on a variety of topics, browse them all in the blog section of our website.
As one of the UK’s top car leasing brokers, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers a wide range of leasing deals to suit different needs. For more information, visit our car leasing guides or speak to one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.
Originally posted: 2nd May 2025
