How to Cool Down a Hot Car Fast: Florida-Approved Tips That Actually Work

We all know that feeling. You open your car door after it's been sitting in the Florida sun, and the heat blasts you like an oven. The seats are scorching, the steering wheel feels like a branding iron, and the air is barely breathable.

At Harrell & Beverly Transmissions & Auto Repair, we’ve lived through plenty of Florida summers, and we know it’s not just about comfort—it’s about safety and sanity. That’s why we’re sharing a step-by-step guide for how to cool your hot car down in Florida as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Step-by-Step: How to Cool Down a Hot Car in Florida

1. Start the Engine and Lower the Windows Slightly

As soon as you start the car, lower your windows a few inches. This allows the trapped hot air to escape while you get the air conditioning system moving.

2. Set the A/C Fan Speed to Medium-High

Turn your A/C on and set the fan to about three-quarters of full speed. Setting it to the highest speed can actually be less effective at first. When air moves too quickly through the evaporator, it doesn't have enough time to cool properly.

3. Turn OFF the Recirculation Setting

For now, make sure the recirculation feature is off. This lets your system pull in outside air, which is cooler than the trapped air inside your vehicle. Drawing in that outside air is key to speeding up the cooling process.

4. Start Driving

Begin driving with the windows still slightly open. After about a mile, roll the windows up. By now, you’ve flushed out a lot of the trapped heat, and your A/C is beginning to bring in cooler air.

5. Now Turn ON the Recirculation Option

Once the interior temperature has dropped a bit (usually after three to five minutes of driving), turn the recirculation feature back on. At this point, you’re re-cooling air that’s already been cooled, which makes the system much more efficient.

6. Adjust the Fan Speed to Your Liking

Once the cabin air is comfortable, you can adjust the fan speed and temperature to suit your preferences. You’ve successfully avoided melting into your seat—and possibly saved your A/C system from unnecessary strain.

Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Car Cooler in the First Place

• Use a sunshade or windshield reflector when parked.

• Tint your windows (legally) to reduce UV and heat.

• Park in the shade or use a car cover when possible.

• Keep leather seats covered to avoid burn risks.

Help Your Friends Beat the Heat

Know someone who dreads getting into their hot car each summer? Maybe a friend or relative just moved to Florida from a cooler climate. Share these tips so they can stay cool too. And remember, if your A/C isn’t cooling like it used to, we’re here to help.

📍 Serving Sanford, Lake Mary, DeBary, and Central Florida

📞 Call 407-322-8415 to schedule an A/C inspection

🔧 Trusted Auto Repair in Florida Since 1959