Long, sweltering drives in Kentucky are nearly unavoidable during this time of the year. At Auto Excel Lexington, we are used to working with cars rain or shine. So, we have a few tips for you on how to keep cool and comfortable the next time you hit the road this summer.
Bring water. Bring more water than you think you could ever need! If you’ve got the space, even bring a cooler or pack one of those Hot and Cold bags from the grocery store with some ice and a few bottles of water. You might have to make more rest stops, but getting a migraine from dehydration is a far worse consequence than stopping a couple extra times than usual.
Layer your clothes so that you can easily cool off when the heat starts to get bad. It also helps to wear light, bright colors since they don’t attract as much heat as darker colors do. It’s a small change that will help you out a lot in return.
Use window shades whenever you can to keep the inside of the car cool. Whenever you stop somewhere, prop up a windshield shade in the front and back windows. If you’re traveling with kids, there are shades that you can install in your car that can be down even while you’re driving. They don’t take away from visibility, but they definitely will keep things cooler!
In bright weather, sunglasses are an absolute must. If you already have prescription glasses, it can seem tedious to purchase another pair of prescription lenses just for the sunshine. But it is worth it! Visibility is one of the most important aspects of driving. You would never leave your lights off driving at night, so don’t drive in bright, direct sunlight without some shades to help you see!
Planning ahead for the trip can be even more important than any other trick or tip you follow before taking a long road trip. That means planning out your departure and stops ahead of time so that you can avoid being in the car during the hottest parts of the day if possible. Get plenty of sleep before you leave so that you’re alert and focused during the drive.
Snack smart during the trip! For example, did you know that peppermint gum reduces queasiness and car sickness? Dry crackers and fizzy soda like ginger ale can also help settle the stomach if you or any passengers start feeling sick. These are great things to have on hand just in case!
There you have it, our advice on keeping cool during long drives this summer. One last thing! Before you hit the road, first come by Auto Excel Lexington to make sure your vehicle is up for the long, hot Kentucky drive. If your air conditioner had been blowing nothing but hot air, you needn’t suffer the heat any longer!
We’ll take care of your car so that the next time you go for a drive, the A/C will be running as cool as can be! If you’d like to find out more about how we can help your car’s A/C system, please visit our website at: http://autoexcellexington.com/automotive-repair/
Best of luck braving that Kentucky sun! We hope that these tips on keeping cool will help you enjoy your summer just a little bit more!