How to Keep Your Car Cool in Summer

Aftersales,Top Tips

25 June 2026

Summer in Northern Ireland is a bit of a lottery, but when the sun does show up, the inside of a car can heat up fast. Whether you are heading out for the day or just running errands, a sweltering interior makes for an uncomfortable drive. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference.

Here is how to keep things cool, plus what to watch out for before any long summer journey.

KEEPING YOUR CAR COOL

PARK IN THE SHADE WHERE YOU CAN

It sounds obvious, but it is worth making the effort. A shaded spot under a tree or in a covered car park can keep your interior noticeably cooler. If shade is hard to come by, try to park so the sun will not be beating directly onto your windscreen when you return.

USE A WINDSCREEN SUNSHADE

A sunshade is one of the cheapest and most effective things you can keep in your car. Placed across the inside of your windscreen, it stops the dashboard, steering wheel, and front seats from absorbing heat while parked. Side and rear window shades work well too, particularly if you have children or pets in the back.

CRACK THE WINDOWS

Leaving a small gap allows hot air to escape rather than building up inside. Even a few centimetres makes a difference. Just keep security in mind and do not leave windows open wide enough for anyone to reach in.

USE YOUR AIR CON THE SMART WAY

When you get into a hot car, resist the urge to blast the air conditioning straight away. Open all the windows and drive for a couple of minutes to let the built-up heat escape first. Once the cabin temperature starts to drop, close the windows and switch on the air con. If your car has a recirculation setting, use it once the car has cooled slightly so it is working with already-cooled air rather than pulling in warm air from outside.

PROTECT YOUR SEATS + STEERING WHEEL

Leather and vinyl seats absorb a lot of heat. Seat covers help, and a steering wheel cover will stop it getting too hot to hold. Lighter coloured interiors also tend to stay cooler than dark ones, so if you are in the market for a used car and comfort is a priority, it is worth bearing in mind.

KEEP WATER IN THE CAR

Staying hydrated when it is warm makes for a more comfortable drive, especially if your car is slow to cool down. Keep a bottle somewhere shaded rather than on the dashboard where it will heat up quickly.

FIVE SUMMER BREAKDOWNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Summer driving, especially over longer distances or while towing, puts additional strain on your car. Here are the most common issues to be aware of, along with some simple steps to reduce the risk.

BATTERY PROBLEMS

Short trips and stop-start driving do not give your battery enough time to recharge fully. Watch for slow starts, dim lights, or electronics playing up on the dashboard. Check your battery regularly and get it looked at before it lets you down.

TYRE PROBLEMS

Tyres that mostly do short local runs can develop hidden issues that only become apparent on a longer run. Before any summer trip, check the condition and pressure of all four tyres, including on a caravan or trailer if you are towing.

PUNCTURES WITHOUT A SPARE

Many modern cars come with a repair kit rather than a spare wheel. Make sure you know which you have before setting off. If you pick up a puncture the kit cannot fix, call us on 028 9020 5100 and we will help you get sorted.

CLUTCH WEAR

Hilly routes and towing put extra strain on the clutch. Signs include a gritty pedal feel, a high bite point, or the engine revving without the expected acceleration. Worth booking a check before your trip if any of those sound familiar.

ALTERNATOR ISSUES

High electrical demand combined with warm weather can push alternators toward failure. If you see a flickering battery warning light, stop safely as soon as you can and seek assistance. Catching early warning signs before a full failure makes a real difference.

QUICK SUMMER MAINTENANCE CHECKS

Before any longer summer journey, it is worth running through these basics:

FUEL: Top up before you set off, especially if heading into traffic.
OIL: Check and top up levels to protect the engine.
RUBBER: Inspect tyres for wear and check they are at the correct pressure.
COOLANT: Check levels and top up if needed to avoid overheating.
ELECTRICS: Test your lights, wipers, and other electrical systems.
SCREENWASH: Top up with quality screenwash to keep visibility clear.

KEEPING PETS SAFE IN SUMMER

If your pet is travelling with you, a few extra steps go a long way.

Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car. Even on a mild day, temperatures inside can rise to dangerous levels quickly.
Use window sunshades to help keep the back seat cooler.
Always bring fresh water and a portable bowl on longer journeys.
A cooling mat or damp towel in the footwell helps regulate your pet's temperature. Dogs release heat through their paws, so a cool surface makes a real difference.
Crack windows slightly for airflow, but not enough for your pet to get their head out or escape.
On longer trips, plan regular stops so your pet can stretch and cool down in the shade.

If your pet shows signs of heatstroke, contact your vet immediately. Do not use ice cold water to cool them down as this can cause shock.

Need a Service Before Summer?

If you want peace of mind before a longer trip, our teams at SERE Motors Belfast and Lisburn are here to help. From battery and tyre checks to a full service, we will make sure your car is ready for whatever the summer has in store.

Request a Service