7 ways to have the coolest car this summer

What a summer!

When the South African sun really gets going, climbing into a car that's been parked outside can feel like opening an oven door.

But summer heat isn't only uncomfortable. Long periods of high temperatures and direct sunlight can also put extra strain on your car's battery, tyres, air-conditioning system, interior and paintwork.

Whether you're tackling the daily commute or getting ready for a summer road trip, these seven tips can help you keep your ride , and yourself a little cooler.

Park smart and keep your car covered

The simplest way to keep your car cooler is to reduce the amount of direct sunlight it absorbs.

A garage or secure covered parking area is ideal.

When that's not available, look for sensible shade where it doesn't introduce other risks, such as unstable tree branches.

If your vehicle regularly spends long periods outside, a suitable car cover can also help protect the exterior from prolonged exposure.

Direct sunlight over time can contribute to deterioration of paintwork and interior materials. Discovery's current summer-car guidance similarly recommends protecting vehicles from prolonged exposure to intense sunlight.

Want more detail? Read Miway's guide to ways the environment can damage your car.

Give your windscreen and dashboard some shade

Ever returned to your car and discovered that the steering wheel is almost too hot to touch?

A windscreen sunshade can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching the dashboard, steering wheel and front seats while your vehicle is parked.

Depending on your vehicle, you can also:

use suitable rear-window shades where legally and safely appropriate
choose covered parking
keep heat-sensitive belongings out of direct sunlight.

A simple sunshade won't turn your cabin into an igloo, but it can make getting back into the car much more comfortable.

Let trapped heat escape before turning the aircon up

When you first get into a very hot car, don't expect the air-conditioning system to work miracles instantly.

If it is safe to do so, open the doors or windows briefly to allow some of the trapped hot air to escape.

Then:

Close the doors and windows.
Start cooling the cabin with the air-conditioning.
Use your vehicle's climate-control settings as recommended by the manufacturer.

This helps the air-conditioning work on cooling the cabin rather than fighting all the hot air that has built up while the vehicle was parked.

Look after your car's air-conditioning

Nobody wants to discover during a scorching Johannesburg afternoon that their car's aircon has decided to take the day off.

Your vehicle's air-conditioning system needs maintenance too.

Signs that it may need attention include:

noticeably weaker airflow
air that isn't cooling properly
unusual smells
strange noises when the system is running.

Cars.co.za recommends routine air-conditioning care, including checking filters and having problems investigated before they become more expensive repairs.

If something doesn't seem right, have the system inspected by an appropriate technician rather than waiting until the middle of a heatwave.

Keep an eye on your tyres

Hot roads, long journeys and incorrectly inflated tyres aren't a great combination.

Tyre pressure changes with temperature, which means you shouldn't guess what pressure your tyres need simply because the weather is hot.

Use the pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer for the vehicle and load.

Before a long summer drive, check:

tyre pressure
tread
sidewalls
the spare tyre
any signs of unusual wear or damage.

Don't deliberately overinflate your tyres to compensate for the heat.

MiWay's current road-trip guidance also recommends checking tyres and the spare before long journeys.

Don't forget your battery

Summer heat can be tough on a car battery.

Miway has previously explained that high temperatures under the bonnet can accelerate corrosion and other battery deterioration.

Keep an eye out for warning signs such as:

slow starting
dashboard battery warnings
corrosion around terminals
a battery nearing the end of its expected service life.

If you're heading on a long summer road trip and you're unsure about your battery's condition, having it professionally checked beforehand could save you from getting stranded.

For more advice, read Can your car battery handle the heat?.

Check coolant and essential fluids

You need water on a hot day.

Your car needs the correct fluids too — although definitely not from your water bottle.

Before long summer journeys, check the fluid levels specified by your vehicle manufacturer, which may include:

engine coolant
engine oil
brake fluid
windscreen washer fluid.

If your temperature warning light comes on or the engine begins overheating, don't simply continue driving in the hope that it sorts itself out.

Move to a safe location when possible and get appropriate assistance.

And one important safety point: never open a hot cooling system simply because you think it needs topping up. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow an overheated vehicle to be handled safely.

Summer bonus: never leave children or pets in a parked car

Keeping your car cool is about comfort.

Keeping people and animals safe is far more important.

A parked vehicle can become dangerously hot, even when it doesn't feel excessively warm outside.

Miway has a dedicated guide explaining why you should never leave children or pets in a parked car.

Don't rely on cracked windows or shade as a substitute for taking children or pets with you.

Can summer heat actually damage your car?

Yes.

High temperatures and prolonged sun exposure can affect several areas of a vehicle, including:

batteries
tyres
paintwork
interior surfaces
cooling systems.

The level of risk depends on the vehicle, its condition, how it is maintained and how long it is exposed.

Regular maintenance and sensible parking can help reduce avoidable problems.

Does car insurance cover heat or summer weather damage?

It depends on what caused the damage and the terms of your policy.

Car insurance isn't a maintenance plan, so ordinary wear, deterioration or maintenance-related problems shouldn't automatically be assumed to be insured events.

Comprehensive car insurance may provide protection for certain sudden events such as hail, storms or other insured risks, depending on the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions.

That's why it's worth knowing what's in your policy before summer weather arrives.

You can learn more about Miway car insurance or review your current policy to understand the cover that applies to your vehicle.

Summer car-care checklist

Before the temperature climbs or before setting off on a long trip check:

shaded or covered parking options
windscreen sunshade
air-conditioning
tyre pressure and tread
spare tyre
battery condition
coolant and other vehicle fluids
roadside-assistance details
your car insurance policy.

A few minutes now can help prevent your summer road trip from becoming a roadside one.

Summer car-care FAQs

How can I keep my parked car cooler in summer?

Use secure covered parking where possible, use a windscreen sunshade and allow trapped hot air to escape before relying fully on the air-conditioning.

Should I leave my windows slightly open when parking?

Cracking the windows isn't a substitute for proper cooling or safe vehicle security. When leaving your vehicle unattended, prioritise security and make sure it is properly locked.

Does hot weather affect tyre pressure?

Temperature can affect tyre pressure. Check pressures regularly and use the figures recommended by your vehicle manufacturer rather than deliberately overinflating tyres in hot weather.

Can heat damage a car battery?

High under-bonnet temperatures can contribute to faster battery deterioration and corrosion.

Can the sun damage my car's interior?

Long-term direct sunlight and heat can contribute to fading and deterioration of some interior materials. Covered parking and suitable sun protection can help reduce exposure.

What should I check before a summer road trip?

Check your tyres, battery, air-conditioning, coolant and other manufacturer-specified fluids, and make sure you know how to contact roadside assistance if something goes wrong.

Does car insurance cover summer weather damage?

It depends on the event and your policy. Comprehensive cover may protect against certain sudden weather-related risks, subject to applicable terms, limits and exclusions.

Keep your summer cool

South African summer isn't going anywhere.

So instead of fighting the heat every time you get behind the wheel, give your car a little summer TLC.

Shade it, check it, cool it and make sure it's ready before your next long drive.

And if summer brings something more serious than a hot steering wheel, having the right cover can help.

Learn more about Miway car insurance or get a car insurance quote.