Jul 20, 2011  •  In Personal, Science, Travel

How to Instantly Cool Down a Car

Here in the NYC area, we are currently experiencing what may become the hottest week of the year.  🙁  Summer has always been my least favorite season because I loathe the heat, humidity, and yes, even the longer days.

As anyone who has traveled in a vehicle during the peak of summer can attest, one of the worst things about the heat is getting into a car that has been baking under the sun for hours. So this morning, I was delighted to find the following video on Reddit — by rolling down the window on one side and opening and closing the door on the other side 5-6 times, you can instantly cool down the interior of a car!

The proof is in the video: the outside temperature reads 30.5°C (86.9°F) while the temperature inside the superheated car is a sweltering 41.6°C (106.88°F). After performing the window and door trick, the temperature drops down to a bearable 33.5°C (92.3°F)!

I am sure that there is some cool scientific explanation behind this, but I’m afraid you will have to uncover that yourself.  😛

Although I usually like to stay within the confines of the wonderful invention that is central air during the summer months, I can’t wait to try this out the next time that we are out!

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11 Responses to “How to Instantly Cool Down a Car”

  1. Oh, wow, what a neat trick! I’m definitely sending this to my parents and sister, who as NJ burb dwellers use the car more often than I do 🙂

  2. T says:

    Yeah its cool, except for the fact it doesn’t work 🙂

    At least the one time I tried it, it didnt cool down at all.

    hope other people have better luck!

  3. ErraticWit says:

    I cannot thank you enough for posting this! I can’t wait to try it out and tell everyone about it. Any cheap ways to beat the heat are important for survival!

  4. Eileen says:

    I will definitely try this. The a/c in my car has not been working well, which makes it pretty uncomfortable after it’s been sitting out in the sun. If it works, this could really help!

  5. Andrea says:

    Ha, I am your opposite! I love heat and humidity, and I love getting into a steamy car that’s been baking all day. Honestly, I look forward to it. I know, I’m insane.

    • What is WRONG with you? 😛 Just kidding. I know everyone has different preferences. I have a friend who is like you, and dreams of moving to Florida one day! (Me? I actually wouldn’t mind living in Alaska!)

    • stacey says:

      I’m like you, Andrea!! Especially I’ve been in a mall/big store/office where it’s FREEEZING. Feels so good to go from that to a nice warm car!

  6. Amanda says:

    Wow, I’m definitely going to have to try this!

  7. THANK YOU! I totally need this in Louisiana…my car is miserable for the first 10-15 minutes after work!

  8. ErraticWit says:

    I have tried it on several different occasions now and suggested it to my friends. I have to say, we love it! It works for us and makes it a little easier for the AC to cool down the car.

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