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Even a short drive can feel like an endurance test on a scorching summer day. But hot temperatures aren’t just about sweaty seats or perspiration on your brows.
Prolonged exposure to heat also causes dehydration, burnouts and life-threatening heat stroke for pets and people.
That’s why it’s important to prepare ahead and pack the right accessories to beat the heat.
Here are some suggestions to keep your family or pets happy and refreshed when on a road trip.
Cooling Accessories For People
Car Seat Cooling Pads: These pads offer a cool and comfortable surface that reduces the amount of heat transferred from the seat to your body.
Gel-based cooling pads placed on a seat have a cooling effect that kicks in immediately. For added relief, pre-chill the pad in a refrigerator before use.
Ventilated pads come with built-in fans powered via a USB port. They also include adjustable settings for airflow and temperature preferences.
Choose cooling pads with non-slip backing, breathable materials that offer plenty of air circulation and surfaces that are easy to clean.
Portable Neck Fans: Rechargeable fans are worn around the neck like headphones and deliver a cooling breeze across the face and neck.
They offer 360-degree rotation which allows you to aim the fan exactly where you need relief. They’re especially helpful when the AC isn’t reaching every passenger in the cabin.
Before your summer trip, make sure your neck fan is fully charged and travel with a power bank for convenient recharging on the go. Opt for lightweight neck fans with low noise levels, long battery life and comfortable padding around the neck.
Misting Bottles: These handheld spray bottles offer an instant refreshing of a cooling mist from either a manual spray or the breeze from a built-in fan.
The manual pump disperses a soft spray by squeezing or pumping the bottle. While battery-powered versions add a fan that circulates the mist.
Just a few spritzes help you stay cool in hot weather by hydrating your skin and naturally lowering your body temperature.
For a cooling boost, fill the bottle with cold water, toss a few ice cubes and add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil. On longer trips, pack an extra bottle of water to refill your mister when needed.
For best results, spray your face, neck and arms while waiting in the car or stuck in traffic.
Cooling Towels: Cooling towels are made from moisture-activated fabric and help lower your skin temperature through evaporation. Soak the towel in water, wring it out and snap it a few times to trigger the soothing sensation.
Once activated, the towel stays cool for 30-60 minutes depending on surrounding temperatures and air circulation. Drape the towel around your neck, over your shoulders or across your laps for quick relief. When it begins to warm up, repeat the cooling process.
These cooling towels are made from breathable microfiber. This allows them to dry quickly and not leave you dripping with sweat. They are also reusable and can be easily stored in a glove compartment, center console or backpack.
For best results, use cold water to pre-soak the towels and store them in resealable bags or coolers during your trip.
For Pets
Pet Cooling Mats: These types of mats regulate your pet’s body temperature and prevent overheating during long drives or rest stops when the car heats up quickly.
Gel-based mats feature a pressure-activated cooling gel that starts working the moment your four-legged friend lies down. While fabric cooling pads rely on breathable layers that improve airflow and comfort.
For best results, pre-chill the mat in a cooler or air-conditioned room before a trip. It’s also a good idea to travel with two mats: keep one mat chilled in the cooler while the other keeps your pet cool and comfortable in the summer heat.
If your pet loves to chew and scratch, pick mats that are puncture-resistant and easy to clean. Non-slip bottoms also keep the mat from sliding around as the car moves.
Pet Seat Covers with Breathable Mesh: Ventilated panels placed in the center or along the sides set these pet seat covers apart from regular ones.
The mesh lets air flow freely around your pet and prevents heat buildup underneath. It works particularly well when paired with an AC that allows cool air to reach your pet in the backseat or cargo area.
Select machine-washable, water-resistant fabric seat covers for easy cleaning. Also consider using it with a cooling mat if the seat cover doesn’t have any padding.
Cooling Pet Vests or Bandanas: Soak these vests or bandanas in cool water, squeeze out the excess water and put it on your pet.
As the water evaporates, vests and bandanas draw heat away from your pet’s body and provides a cooling effect that lasts between 30-60 minutes. Choose vests with heat-reflective outer layers to deflect sunlight and moisture-retaining inner layers that provide long-lasting cooling relief.
Bandanas also provide your pet cooling comfort around the neck where blood vessels regulate overall body temperature.
Use both accessories anytime your pet is outside the vehicle. It’s a good idea to keep a few spares in your bag so you’re never without one on a long trip.
Cooling Pet Water Dispensers: These dispensers go beyond the basic travel bowl and keep water cool in hot conditions. This keeps your pet hydrated and energetic during your summer adventures.
Select pet water dispensers with insulated walls, gel cores or ice pack compartments that maintain a chilled temperature even without electricity.
Also keep an eye out for dispensers that allow you to freeze a detachable bottle or insert an ice pack into a separate slot. This insulation makes sure the water stays cool even when it is left in a warm car.
Another handy dispenser to have is the flip-open bottle and tray design where water is stored in a compartment and dispensed into an attached tray for drinking.
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