In Spain, mechanic Juan José recommends lowering car windows for a few seconds before switching on the air conditioning. After a car has been parked in the sun, the dashboard, upholstery, glass and trim can become much hotter than the outside air. Opening the windows briefly lets some hot air escape before the climate-control system starts cooling the cabin, which can make the cooling feel faster.
Drivers often close every window and switch on the air conditioning as soon as they get into a sun-heated car. Ventilating first is a simple way to reduce the heat trapped inside. Once the windows are closed, the system can cool the remaining cabin air. The practice may ease the initial cooling load, although its effect on energy use or the air-conditioning system’s lifespan depends on the vehicle and conditions.
High cabin temperatures can also make a journey less comfortable and may contribute to driver discomfort or fatigue. Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), the national road-traffic authority, describes fatigue as the fourth cause of mortality on Spanish roads. This broader road-safety concern is not specific to cabin heat: sleep, hydration, journey length, traffic and other conditions can also affect a driver’s alertness. Briefly airing the cabin is a practical comfort measure, not a substitute for taking breaks or avoiding driving when tired.
During periods of intense sun, visibility matters too. The German automobile association ADAC advises drivers dazzled by sunlight to reduce speed and pay particular attention. Keeping the windscreen clean and ensuring the wipers and washer fluid work properly can also help maintain visibility.
Spain’s road-safety measures also feature in coverage of the summer travel operation, including recent coverage of Spain’s summer traffic operation. Alongside such measures, practical steps before setting off, including ventilating a hot cabin, checking visibility and starting a journey alert, can help make driving more comfortable and safer.
