Summers side effects on your car

HYDERABAD: You leave your car in an open parking lot, only to come to back to a hot oven. The rays could also damage your dashboard and fabrics. Instead of blaming it all on global warming, follow these tips to make your ride sun smart:Windshield tintsSun control films are the best way to keep the sun out. However, rolling tints for windshields may also help. Priced at around Rs 12,000, these not only block out sun rays and lower interior temperatures, but also stop the UV rays from damaging dashboards and upholstery. Another suggestion would be to use windshield films to cover the side windows. They are almost transparent, yet can reduce the heat by up to 65 per cent. These films from 3M and Wurth are priced from Rs 4,500 onwards.Switch on the ACIf your AC buckles under the heat outside, follow these pointers:* Mop it out. It is important to keep the interiors clean, especially the foot rest. Else, dust might get lodged in the evaporator and reduce the throw* Mode control. It is necessary to choose recirculate air mode so that heated air escapes * Regular service. Clean the condenser every month and service the AC for every 10,000 km. Make sure that the air filter is cleaned. * As for as cooling upholstery, there aren’t many options in the city, but you can try thermo cool packing to make it heat-free.One for the driverIt is necessary to keep yourself cool during a long drive. A car fridge from Junglee.com (Tropicool at Rs 11, 400 and Mobicool at Rs 6,000) is a good bet. Also, check out the handy Tropicool can cooler or the Tropicool Bord Bar from carwale.com. They come with safe fastening on the vehicle seat and accommodate .33l cans and .5l bottles. Details: junglee.comWant something crazier?Try the multi-purpose car seat/water cushion that comes with an auto cooling water storage system. This product from Ojjas Enterprizes, retailed at shopping.rediff.com is priced at Rs 3,999 and can be used at home as well. Details: shopping.rediff.com