Hitzewelle: Wie kann man sein Auto schnell abkühlen?
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A few simple steps
In hot weather, cars quickly turn into ovens. The Automobile Club of Luxembourg (ACL) therefore reminds drivers of some simple but effective measures to cool down the interior quickly and avoid the discomfort associated with extreme heat.
Ventilate first
Before setting off, open all doors – and the boot if possible – for a few minutes. This allows the hot air that has accumulated inside the vehicle to escape, as it can easily reach temperatures of over 50°C after prolonged exposure to the sun.
Drive with the windows open, but not too fast!
Once you hit the road, it is advisable to keep the windows open. This promotes air circulation and speeds up the natural cooling of the interior. However, if you are driving faster than 60 km/h, you should close the windows again for aerodynamic reasons and to reduce fuel consumption.
Use the air conditioning intelligently
First, switch the air conditioning to ‘recirculation’ mode. This mode uses the air already in the vehicle, cooling it down more quickly than if warm outside air is supplied. Once the temperature is comfortable again, switch off the recirculation function to renew the air inside.
Some additional tips:
- Use a sun visor, which is attached to the windscreen and significantly reduces the interior temperature.
- Cover the steering wheel and seats. Use a towel or light-coloured cloth to avoid burns when touching them.
- Park in the shade. If possible, choose a shaded parking space or position the rear of the vehicle facing the sun.
Do not forget children and animals
Finally, the ACL reminds drivers never to leave a child or animal alone in a car, even for a few minutes. The temperature can rise very quickly and become lethal.
On average, the ACL receives around 20 calls a year from drivers who have accidentally locked their car doors with a child or animal inside. Due to stress and panic, some drivers are unable to unlock the vehicle.
In this case, you should immediately call the emergency services (112). You can then also contact the ACL (26000), which will prioritise your call and attempt to respond quickly if the vehicle in question is close to a road service agent.