The UK has already experienced some exceptionally hot weather, with temperatures climbing above 37°C in parts of the country. Forecasters also expect more heatwaves during the summer, meaning many drivers could face long journeys in uncomfortable conditions.
Whether you're commuting to work, heading to the coast or setting off on a staycation, spending time in a hot car can quickly become unpleasant.
Air conditioning is now standard in most modern cars, but many vehicles also offer extra features designed to keep drivers and passengers cool when temperatures rise.
From seats that circulate cool air to storage compartments that keep drinks chilled, here are five smart features that can make driving during a heatwave far more enjoyable.
1. Cabin pre-cooling
Getting into a car that has been parked in direct sunlight can feel like stepping into an oven. Hot seats, burning steering wheels and scorching seatbelt buckles are all common problems during a heatwave.
Many modern electric and hybrid cars now offer cabin pre-cooling as part of their pre-conditioning system.
Using a smartphone app, drivers can cool the interior before they even open the door. By the time they get into the car, the cabin is already at a comfortable temperature.
This feature is especially common on electric vehicles because it can use electricity from the charging point while the car is plugged in, helping preserve battery range. Even when the vehicle isn't connected to a charger, using cabin pre-cooling usually has only a small impact on driving range.
2. Chilled storage compartments
There's nothing better than a cold drink on a hot day, but leaving drinks in a parked car isn't always a good idea.
Plastic bottles can become very hot, while cans of fizzy drinks may build up pressure and could burst in extreme temperatures.
Some manufacturers have introduced a simple but effective solution: built-in chilled storage compartments, sometimes called cool boxes.
Often located inside the centre armrest, these compartments use cooled air from the vehicle's climate control system to keep drinks at a lower temperature.
They are usually large enough for small bottles or cans, making them perfect for long summer journeys. Brands including Jaecoo and Omoda offer this feature on several of their models.
3. Ventilated seats
Ventilated seats may feel like a new luxury, but they've actually been around for decades. Saab introduced them in the original 9-5 back in 1997.
Today, many manufacturers offer either ventilated or cooled seats.
Ventilated seats draw air through tiny holes in the seat upholstery, helping reduce heat and moisture while you drive.
Cooled seats go one step further by blowing chilled air through the seat using the car's air conditioning system or a dedicated cooling unit.
Both systems make a noticeable difference on hot days, especially on leather seats that can become uncomfortable in direct sunlight.
Manufacturers including Tesla, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, Ford, Jaecoo and Omoda now offer this feature on selected models.
4. A 12-volt power socket
The humble 12V socket is easy to overlook, but it can be incredibly useful during the summer.
One of its best uses is powering a portable cool box, allowing you to keep drinks, snacks and picnic food chilled while travelling.
This can be particularly useful on family holidays or long road trips, especially if your car doesn't have a built-in refrigerated storage compartment.
A portable cool box also gives passengers easy access to cold drinks throughout the journey.
5. Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
Vehicle-to-load, often shortened to V2L, is one of the most useful features available on many modern electric cars and plug-in hybrids.
It allows the car's battery to power electrical appliances, effectively turning the vehicle into a large portable power source.
During a heatwave, V2L can be used to run equipment such as portable fans, mini air conditioning units, cool boxes or even an ice maker while you're camping or spending the day outdoors.
For anyone planning a staycation or camping trip, this feature can add a little extra comfort and help make hot summer days much easier to manage.
Stay cool behind the wheel
Modern cars offer far more than just air conditioning when it comes to beating the heat.
Features such as cabin pre-cooling, ventilated seats, chilled storage compartments and vehicle-to-load technology can make summer driving far more comfortable, whether you're tackling the daily commute or heading away for the weekend.
If you're buying your next car, these features are well worth looking out for—especially as hotter summers become increasingly common in the UK.