Understanding how to keep the car cool is essential, especially amidst the heatwave impacting many US states. Generally, there are many simple and affordable ways to stay cool, such as wearing light clothes, parking the car in the shade, and improving the airflow in the vehicle. Plus, you can consider other car AC alternatives like portable fans or ACs that do not consume a lot of electricity or travel at cooler times during the day to beat the heat.
If the car interior is still hot, you may consider investing in a portable solar-powered generator to charge different types of portable ACs. For example, the Jackery Solar Generators are reliable solar-powered generators that can charge essential car cooling appliances, such as a portable AC, fan, and cooler. They are powerful charging solutions that ensure essential car appliances remain powered on the go.
Key Takeaways
- You can keep your car cool by using water or ice, dressing appropriately, keeping the interior cool, changing how and when you travel, and parking the vehicle in the shade.
- Some car AC alternativesinclude portable AC, fan, DIY fix, solar generators for portable fan or AC, and seat or car covers.
- If you want to improve the car's cooling, consider checking and replacing cabin air filters, checking and recharging refrigerant levels, and routine car washing.
- Some simple ways to choose the best portable AC for a car include capacity, size, functionality, and features.
How to Keep Your Car Cool in Summer
Nobody loves a sweltering hot car in the hot summer. Fortunately, there are ways to keep the car interior cool that are simple and affordable. Here’s how to keep a car cool in summer:
Using Water or Ice
One of the best ways to regulate the temperature efficiently is by keeping the body hydrated. You should consider drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. While traveling, keep cold drinks in a travel mug or insulated thermos so they stay cold for a long time.
You can also put an ice pack, cold water, or direct ice on the back of your neck or wrists. Placing something cool on these points will help you cool faster. Additionally, you can put a block of ice in a pan near the floor vents to keep the air cool. If you're planning longer car rides, consider bringing a backpack of ice in an insulated cooler.
Dressing Appropriately
If you are traveling in a car during a hot afternoon, you should wear loose clothing in lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen. Tight clothes trap heat against the body, whereas lighter ones sit away from the skin and feel cooler.
When deciding the color of your clothing, you should consider wearing light-colored clothing that reflects the sun. For example, white-colored clothes don't absorb as much heat from the sun and keep your body cooler.
Keeping Inside of the Car Cool
You should roll down at least two windows to ensure proper car circulation. If your car has a fan-operated fresh air vent, consider turning it on and opening the rear window to draw hot air out of the vehicle. You can also open the car's sunroof or back window to let more fresh air enter the vehicle.
If it is legal, you can consider installing window tinting on the windows and windshield. This will reduce the amount of sunlight that directly comes into the car. It also protects the interior from UV radiation and damage to the car's dashboard. You can even hang a damp rag on the fan for an extra cool area.
Changing How and When You Travel
You should consider driving in the coolest times of the day in the hot summer months, like night or early morning, and avoid driving in the mid-afternoon. Additionally, you should avoid driving in traffic where there is no airflow.
For example, bumper-to-bumper traffic means the vehicle will hardly move, and no air will come in and out. Remember, the more time you spend away from direct sunlight, the cooler your car will be. Roadways and tree-lined streets are shadier than open highways, so travel more in shady areas.
Park in the Shade
One simple way to cool the car is to park in the shade or cover the area to block the direct sunlight. You should look for trees, shadows from tall structures or buildings, or parking garages to keep the car cool from inside. If there's no shaded area nearby and you want to park the car for a long time, you can consider creating a shaded portion by placing sun shields on windows that are exposed to sunlight.
Use a Dashboard Cover
You can put a cover on the car's dashboard to keep sunlight away from the car's interior. When you do not have to touch plastic surfaces or hot vinyl, it will make you feel less overwhelmed by the heat.
Car AC Alternatives
Portable air conditioners or car ACs serve as cooling systems that can keep the inside of your car cool and comfortable in hot summers. However, portable ACs are more reliable compared to car ACs. This is because car ACs are often unreliable, overburdened, and might stop working in the middle of the journey. That's where portable ACs act as a lifesaver. If you are looking for more car AC alternatives, we have explained the different options below:
Portable AC
Portable ACs are ideal for cars and vans. They can quickly cool the space and keep it comfortable throughout the journey. Most portable ACs can be connected to a power source or plugged into the car's cigarette lighter. When not using the portable ACs in the vehicle, you can carry them to your home or enjoy outdoor activities without feeling hot.
Portable Fan
If you're looking for a cost-effective car AC alternative, you may consider a portable fan. These fans are designed to circulate air within the vehicle and offer an enhanced cooling effect with the increased airflow. They have low energy consumption and do not require any installation. However, their effectiveness depends on ambient temperature.
DIY Fix
There are many simple DIYs that will help you cool the car without spending a lot of money. For instance, you can place a bowl of ice in front of the portable fan to create an evaporative effect. Alternatively, you can hang a wet cloth before the partially open window to create a cooling effect.
Solar Generator for Portable Fan/AC
Portable solar generators are designed to charge portable fans and ACs in cars, so you never have to worry about hot weather. Jackery Solar Generators are portable, powerful, and efficient charging solutions that can be taken during outdoor adventures. The portable power station's foldable handle and large capacity ensure that you can charge portable fans and other cooling devices in the car for long hours.
Seat Covers or Car Covers
There are specialized seat covers and car covers available to keep the car cool by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption. For instance, reflective seat covers reflect UV rays and insulate against heat. While the reflective seat covers only the car seat, the car covers are designed for the entire car.
Car AC Maintenance Tips
Whether you're driving an old car or a brand-new one, maintaining the car's AC is essential. Here are some critical tips to keep the air conditioning unit operating at maximum capacity.
Routine Car Washes
Routine car washes help remove dust, debris, and dirt to maintain the car's AC system. When the car's condenser coils are clean, they can dissipate heat more effectively to improve cooling performance.
Optimizing Airflow and Temperature Control
When the blower motor is cranked and the temperature is at full control, the AC might not work at its best. Thankfully, some optimization and temperature control can help. For instance, turn the temperature to cold, set the fan one notch down from full blast, set the direction of air to feet and dash vents, and turn on the recirculate mode for effective cooling.
Checking and Replacing Cabin Air Filters
If you think the air flowing from the vents is not cool enough, it could be because of dirty or clogged cabin air filters. When there is a buildup of airborne particles and debris in the vents, air does not pass through the air filters anymore. You can change the air filters to restore the cool air.
Refrigerant Levels and Recharging
Sometimes, even after maintenance, the car AC does not perform well. This is because refrigerant can dissipate slowly from seals, and you'll need to recharge the refrigerant to restore the performance you are used to.
Insulating and Reflecting Heat
A windshield sunshade is an excellent method of keeping the inside air cooler—or not as hot as it could be. The efficient windshields can insulate the car from UV rays, and the reflective material can send the rays back outside.
Upgrading Your Car's AC System
A leak in the AC system can affect the overall working of the air conditioning unit. For instance, a simple seal or pinhole in the low-side or high-side line could be the issue. It could also be a fault in components like a compressor, condenser, or evaporator. If that's the issue, recharge will only work for a short time, and you'll need to schedule repair if the problem persists.
Jackery Solar Generators for Portable AC
Solar generators are eco-friendly and portable charging solutions that use solar energy and can supply steady electricity to portable ACs. These ACs for cars consume anywhere between 700 and 1500 watts of electricity. They are compact and can even easily fit the car's interior. Jackery is a leading solar brand that manufactures solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. Jackery Solar Generators can power ACs of different sizes.
Solar panels can be placed under sunlight to convert solar energy into DC electricity. This energy then passes to the pure sine wave inverter of the portable power stations to convert DC to AC electricity. The Jackery Portable Power Stations do not emit toxic fumes or noise when working, making them ideal for indoor use. Additionally, they feature foldable handles and a compact design that ensures easy carrying.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a sizeable solar-powered generator that charges 99% of indoor or outdoor appliances. Its large battery capacity supports the charging of portable ACs used in cars. The generator also features double wheels, a foldable handle, and an ergonomic design for easy storage and transportation to different outdoor locations. Its efficient battery and portable design make it ideal for car camping or other adventures.
Appliances Running Time
- Small Portable AC (700W) = 3.6H
- Large Portable AC (1500W) = 1.7H
- Car Fridge (60W) = 42.8H
- Ice Cooler (150W) = 17.1H
- Smartphone (20W) = 128.5H
Customer Review
"We charged three cell phones, ran our Maax fan for three days, 12V cooler, lights and still didn't run out of power." — Jennifer M.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another large, expandable solar-powered generator ideal for 99% of indoor or outdoor appliances. It supports different sizes of portable ACs and other car appliances, making the solar generator ideal for car camping or other outdoor adventures. It also has a foldable handle and double wheels for easy movement from one place to another. If you're planning a long road trip or need more power, the battery capacity can be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh with the Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus.
Appliances Running Time
- Small Portable AC (700W) = 2.4H
- Large Portable AC (1500W) = 1.1H
- Car Fridge (60W) = 28.9H
- Ice Cooler (150W) = 11.5H
- Smartphone (20W) = 86.8H
Customer Review
"Love it! Works great. I can't wait to get out into the great outdoors for when we camp!" — KR.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Roam Kit
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Roam Kit would make more sense if you often plan road trips. The solar-powered generator can charge 99% of off-grid appliances, such as portable ACs, fans, car fridges, etc. The Jackery SolarSaga 100 Prime Solar Panels can be installed on the car's rooftop so that you can charge the portable power stations without any interruption. With the assistance of Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus, you can expand the battery capacity from 1.2kWh to 5kWh.
Appliances Running Time
- Small Portable AC (700W) = 1.5H
- Large Portable AC (1500W) = 42 minutes
- Car Fridge (60W) = 17.9H
- Ice Cooler (150W) = 7.1H
- Smartphone (20W) = 53.7H
Customer Review
"We've had the unit for a while now and absolutely love how rugged it is. The solar panels work great, and the peace of mind of knowing we have a battery backup for all our devices and some appliances is awesome." — John Brogan.
How to Choose The Best Portable AC For Car
If the air conditioning unit of your car is not functioning properly and you're looking for a portable car AC, it is essential to consider some crucial factors and choose an AC that meets the car's needs. Let's explain the factors below:
Cooling Capacity: The cooling capacity of a portable car AC ensures comfort, especially in hot weather. Generally, higher capacity systems indicate a more robust ability to cool the car's interior. A 300 ml cooling capacity will be sufficient if you have a medium-sized vehicle. However, larger models might require a cooling capacity closer to 1000 ml.
Size: The portable AC should be compact enough to easily fit in the vehicles. The ideal portable AC should be less than 20 inches wide and tall. The handles and lightweight designs improve the AC's portability.
Functionality: Many different types of portable ACs are available, so you'll need to check the set of functions offered. For instance, the basic settings for portable AC units include speed control, dehumidification, and airflow direction control.
Energy Consumption: When picking a portable air conditioner for the car, you'll need to look for how many watts it consumes. Ideally, you need to look for a device that draws 700 - 1500W of electricity per hour and can be charged with a power station.
How to Keep Your Car Cool While Parked
Your car's interior will feel like an oven in the hot summer, even when parked. Thankfully, keeping the parked car cool when it is intensely hot outside is not difficult. Here are some ways you can try:
Use a Windshield Sun Shade
While sun shades do not favor the overall appearance of the car much, they can definitely keep the interior temperature down. The reflective coating blocks the sun's or UV rays and protects the plastic surface from sun damage.
Cover Up Your Vehicle Interior
The steering wheel and leather seats are other car interior parts you need to protect from the sun. You can buy high-quality covers from these vehicle interior parts. If you have dark-colored leather seats, consider using a lighter-colored fabric seat.
Tint the Car Windows
Window tints are another way to keep the car cooler. For example, high-quality tints offer plenty of light but block the sun's thermal and UV rays. However, there are laws associated with tinting car windows. Hence, it's essential to check the rules before tinting the windows.
Park In a Garage
The primary purpose of your garage is to park your car. Instead of parking your car in the driveway, consider the garage a safe and cool spot. Even if you are planning to go out in an hour or two, parking the vehicle in the garage is better than parking it in the driveway.
Keep Your Windows Open a Crack
Many drivers will agree that keeping windows and the sunroof open a crack will help airflow and prevent heat from building up. However, only leave windows open in a safe area in view of a security camera. Also, ensure even a small arm does not fit through the crack.
How Long Does It Take A Car to Cool Down
Ideally, it takes 30 - 45 minutes to cool down an overheated engine. You should wait for at least 45 minutes before adding coolant or performing any inspection. If you want to speed up the cooling process, open the hood and window to remove the hot air from the car interior.
Car AC Alternative FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for my portable AC?
The size of the solar generator needed for a portable AC will directly depend on the wattage of the cooling appliance and the number of hours you want to charge it. Let's say you are charging a portable AC for a car, drawing 700W of electricity per hour with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. The running time of the solar generator can be calculated using the following formula:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 2042.8Wh × 0.85 ÷ 700W = 2.4H.
Note: We have multiplied the battery capacity by 0.85 because changing appliances will cause some power loss.
What can I use instead of car cooling?
A portable AC is a great way to keep the car interior cool and comfortable. Other ways to cool your car include windshield shade, window tint, seat covers, car covers, and a portable fan.
What is a cheap alternative to a car AC?
Some cheap car AC alternatives include car window shades, window tinting, chilled car seat covers, etc.
Can I put a portable AC in my car?
Yes, portable ACs can easily be charged with the vehicle's battery (12V DC). However, some might require a portable power station that is compatible with the appliance's power needs and charges the portable ACs for long hours.
What can be used instead of AC?
A portable fan is a simple cooling option that can cool the space by increasing air circulation. It's an affordable and accessible solution compared to other car AC alternatives.
Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer
Some affordable ways to keep the car cool include using freezing water bottles as ice packs, shielding the vehicle from the sun, or investing in car AC alternatives like portable fans. If you're looking for some other car AC alternatives, you can consider opting for portable ACs for cars. Jackery Solar Generators can also be carried on road trips to charge car cooling appliances such as ACs or fans.
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