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4 Tips For Cooling Down a Hot Car Quickly

Author Ransom Garcia
Hand checking the air conditioner in the car. Here are tips for cooling down a hot car quickly.

Cooling down a hot car quickly is something that’s so important, especially when you live in a city like Las Vegas! Summer started this week, and by the looks of it, it’s going to be another scorcher! Heck, I was just looking at the 10-day forecast, and I don’t even see a day where we won’t be hitting triple digits in Las Vegas – At least not anytime soon!

True story, the air conditioner in my wife’s old car never worked properly, so I got into the habit of bringing a small misting bottle whenever I’d have to drive it in the summer months. You’d see me driving down the road, window open, misting myself in the face! It was excruciating, but thankfully she now drives a newer car.

However, new or not, cars still start off hot during a Las Vegas summer. The fine folks over at Consumer Reports also know that and they’ve put together a bunch of helpful tips to help you beat the summer car heat!

Cooling Down a Hot Car Quickly Tip #1

The first tip they give is to start driving WITH your air conditioner on! According to Consumer Reports, your vehicle’s AC runs (and works) more effectively when your car is in motion. If you drive a modern car, the need to warm up your engine isn’t as necessary as it is with older vehicles. Consumer Reports says that modern cars have improved in technology to the point where your engine is fully lubricated within 20 to 30 seconds. Which means by the time you get in, start the car, put on your seat belt, and get comfortable, the engine might not be fully warm. However, it’s completely lubricated, and you’re okay to drive at this point.

Cooling Down a Hot Car Quickly Tip #2

Their next tip is to open all your windows for around 20 seconds when you start your car. Doing this will release hot air that’s trapped within the car, and it’ll allow your air conditioning to start cooling faster.

Once you start to feel cooler air coming from your vents, you can begin to roll up the front windows first, but leave the back windows cracked/open for another 20 seconds. This will help your AC pull cold air to the rear of the vehicle.

Cooling Down a Hot Car Quickly Tip #3

Next, and this one feels like a no brainer, make sure your AC is set to the lowest temperature it can go to. Consumer Reports also says you may want to consider turning off recirculation mode if you have passengers in the rear, to prevent the back of the car from getting hot.

Cooling Down a Hot Car Quickly Tip #4

Finally, if you have a newer car that has an auto-stop feature, CR says you should consider turning it off. Yes, you’ll use more fuel, but the auto-stop feature could also be cutting off the AC compressor, which will affect the cooling inside the car.

Ransom Garcia is the music director and afternoon host on 1079 Coyote Country. He’s been with the station since 2017, but he’s been on the Las Vegas airwaves since 2003. Although he's Vegas Born AND Raised, Ransom also has on-air duties on sister station Kiss 95.1 in Charlotte, NC. He is also set to be inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September of 2024. Ransom writes articles about pop culture, human interests, technology, video games and anything affecting Las Vegas.

7 Ways To Beat The Las Vegas Summer Heat

The Las Vegas summer season is a hot topic among tourists and locals alike. Everybody loves to have a good time and enjoy the city’s nightlife, but it can be quite challenging to do so when the temperatures soar up to 100°F and beyond. Luckily, there are some effective ways to stay cool and fresh even during the hottest months of the year. Before we dive into seven fantastic ways to beat the Las Vegas summer heat, let’s talk about why these seven are so important in the first place.

First, let’s talk about the geography and elevation of Las Vegas. Located in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and with an elevation of 2,000 feet above sea level, the city has dry climate and low humidity. This unique setting means that the sun’s rays hit the ground directly and bounce back up, causing a hot oven effect. All of that to say… That’s why we feel like we’re melting in the Las Vegas summer heat.

The temperature in Las Vegas has continually increased over the past few years, and the reason behind it is none other than global warming. In recent years, the world has experienced warmer temperatures, resulting in extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and powerful hurricanes. Las Vegas is no exception. The city’s average high temperature in June is 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but in recent years, we have seen temperatures soar to 110 degrees and above.

If you aren’t a Las Vegas local and you drive through the city, you’ll probably immediately notice a scarcity of greenery. The city’s water supply is limited, and most of it is used for hotels, casinos, and golf courses. The lack of trees and plants means that there is nothing to absorb the heat, and the asphalt and concrete roads trap the heat, making the temperature even hotter in the summer.

We all know that humans play a considerable role in the environment’s deterioration, and, of course, Las Vegas is no exception. The city’s 24-hour culture and the city’s rapidly-growing population, along with tourism, result in increased carbon emissions, which further contribute to the issue of global warming. So, the next time we feel like complaining about the heat, we should remember that we are partly responsible for the scorching temperatures. Sigh.

While we need to continually need to take steps to minimize our carbon footprint, we also need to ensure we are able to survive and thrive in these extremely high Las Vegas temperatures.

Check out these seven ways to beat the Las Vegas summer heat!

  • 7) Obviously... STAY HYDRATED

    Bottles of Aquafina waterLas Vegas is (obviously) one of the driest cities in Nevada, with a higher than average occurrence of heat-related illnesses. The first and foremost thing to keep in mind when you’re in Vegas and doing ANY of the below activities is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid beverages that can dehydrate you like alcohol, soda, and coffee (but you know, a little might be alright).

  • 6) Hit The Pool

    People Swimming

    The City of Las Vegas is famous for its numerous swimming pools and water parks. Why not hit one of them with your family, your kiddos, or your friends and cool off? The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino boasts of one of the best pool scenes in town and, believe it or not, even has a sandy beach. Plus there are plenty of local swimming pools and splash pads at our local Clark County parks. Grab your sunnies and your best swimwear and make a splash!

  • 5) Visit An Ice Bar

    Ice Bar

    Have you ever heard of an Ice Bar? It’s a winter wonderland in the middle of the hottest state in America. The Minus 5° Ice Experience is situated in three locations on the Las Vegas Strip – the Venetian Hotel, the LINQ Promenade, and Mandalay Bay. It’s a unique way to cool off and have a good time, and you will be provided with insulated parkas, gloves, and boots for your experience. You can also enjoy a premium cocktail in a glass made entirely of ice!

  • 4) Go Shopping

    use cash

    When temperatures rise, it’s the perfect excuse to shop ’til you drop. The Fashion Show Mall, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian will not only give you an air-conditioned refuge, but they house some of the most luxurious shops in the city, so take advantage of the malls while relaxing in some refreshingly cold air conditioning.

  • 3) Head To Red Rock Canyon

    Snow at Red Rock Canyon

    Now I know what you’re thinking. Why would you go out in this heat and take part in a hike at Red Rock Canyon? The best part of this way to beat the Las Vegas summer heat is that parts of Red Rock Canyon are actually much cooler, at an average temperature in the mid-80s. The natural rock formations and scenic canyon will awe-inspire you, so rent a Jeep and explore or hike the Red Rock Canyon trails. Just make sure to bring lots of water and sun protection!

  • 2) Visit A Museum

    Mob Museum in Las Vegas

    There are many excellent museums in Las Vegas that are packed with history and culture. If you’re not the kind to be held down by the heat, some of the popular museums that might interest you are the National Atomic Testing Museum, the Mob Museum, and the Neon Museum. Explore the air-conditioned hallways, and enrich your knowledge as you have fun!

  • 1) Have A Spa Day

    People at the spa

    ‘Tis hot, and you deserve a treat. Why not indulge yourself in a relaxing day spa experience? Bellagio Spa is known for its outstanding services and stunning views of the strip. The Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace is another place that has an excellent reputation for its variety of high-quality treatments. Spend a day being pampered, and your body will thank you.

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Author Ransom Garcia
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