Keeping a car cool in hot weather

[I'm Dun]

I'm sure there must be a way to do this as I've seen people leaving their dogs in cars in hot weather at fly ball competitions etc. How do they do it? 12v air con units and covers over the windows? Or is there something else I don't know about?

 

[Karran]

I leave windows open just enough to stop idiot spaniels wriggling out in disgust at being left behind, and the boot fully open to give as much airflow as I can. They can climb and sit where-ever they feel is shadiest with water in the front and back seats and I cover the car with one of these.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soclear-Al...locphy=9045888&hvtargid=pla-488526435488&th=1

 

[Errin Paddywack]

My dogs are crated so I can leave windows open. I use the silver shade mesh to cover the car. This is great because it lets the breeze through unlike solid covers and doesn't get blown away if very windy. I try and make sure to turn the car to face the sun and cover the windscreen. That way the back of the car is shaded a bit.
I also have my windows tinted to try to keep the car a bit cooler and the dogs not in full sun when in transit.

 

[I'm Dun]

I can leave the windows fairly open as he wont try and get out, and actually, I've got a little 2 seater tigra, so can leave the boot open and there would be more airflow but he couldn't get out due to the design of the car. The shade cloth looks a lot easier than individual window shades as well.

EP is that the same stuff that Karran linked to? This is the downside of ordering on line. You cant touch things to see what they are made of!

 

[MissTyc]

I use shade cloths on individual windows, all opened fully and a reflective shade in front of windscreen It stays very cool as long as there is a little shade. I do sometimes use a soaked cool coat over the crate for an instant hit of cold. Of course they have free access to water (they use rabbit sippy bottles so can't knock them over)

 

[Birker2020]

AC is okay but climate control can be dangerous as it can allow an intake of carbon monoxide into the car. I remember reading somewhere never to leave your climate control on if you have a baby in the car so leaving a pet in the car can be dangerous too. https://www.forensicsdetectors.com/blogs/articles/carbon-monoxide-leak-vehicle

 

[I'm Dun]

Yeah I wouldnt want to leave the keys in the car anyway. The last time I did that he managed to lock the doors and locked me out! I'm looking into a portable 12v/rechargable air conditioner. They cost a few hundred quid but I live on a boat so would be useful there as well as in the car.

 

[Birker2020]

Yeah I wouldnt want to leave the keys in the car anyway. The last time I did that he managed to lock the doors and locked me out! I'm looking into a portable 12v/rechargable air conditioner. They cost a few hundred quid but I live on a boat so would be useful there as well as in the car.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Silver screens/the mesh sheets are good or you can use radiator reflector sheeting and affix with strong magnets. Or just use the windscreen sheets from bargain stores. I have about eight and a similar number of magnets.
Ventlocks mean you can have boot or sliding doors open but still secure.
Mine are heavy coated have been all over Europe with no problems.
Mine are in DT boxes in the rear of a van with tinted windows and there are silver sheets on the interior of the windows too.

Most normal hatchback or saloon cars aren't suitable for long term/frequent dog transport/competitions/travel and I went for a vehicle that suited our lifestyle. There are lots of reasonable small vans or mini MPVs available now.

Some people use fans, temperature control systems, cool coats etc.

 

[maisie06]

I have a lockable transk9 dog box so leave all the windows open and boot up, privacy glass in the back and use sunshades on the windscreen, keeps everything nice and comfortable

 

[I'm Dun]

I'll be changing car in a few months so this is just a temporary thing. I wrote my Disco off and needed a cheap runabout while I waited for some money coming in. Little two seater cars arent ideal for dogs, but he's a dream to travel and sleeps on a pile of duvets in the front seat so I just need to make it work for now.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

EP is that the same stuff that Karran linked to? This is the downside of ordering on line. You cant touch things to see what they are made of!

Yes, it isn't cheap but well worth the cost. Another bonus is that it folds up small compared to silver sheeting.

 

[Annette4]

It does depend on whether we have people staying at the cars but on the whole I use mesh window covers with the windows right down on the front windows and reflective window covers on the other windows (we made them for car camping) then leave the boot open and have fans on the dogs.