Drink frequently throughout the day, aiming for at least 8 8 oz (230 g) glasses of water per day. If you wait until you feel parched or very thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Keep cold drinks in an insulated thermos or travel mug so they stay colder for longer.

Other pulse points include your temples and the spot behind your knees. Spritzing cold water on your pulse points with a spray bottle has the same effect. Drape a cold rag over pulse points if you don’t have an ice pack or ice.

Have a few wet rags ready to replace it with since it will dry out fairly quickly. Freeze your rags ahead of time for extra coolness. Make sure you freeze them flat so they cover the vents when they’re hanging. Don’t leave the rags in your car when you get out or mildew can form on them.

You can also put ice cubes in a polystyrene or thermocol container. Keep the lid open and place it on the floor. For longer car rides, bring back-up ice in an insulated cooler.

Other breathable fabrics besides linen and cotton include silk, chambray, and rayon. Wear a flowy rayon dress if you’re a woman or, if you’re a man, opt for a loose, cotton T-shirt, for example.

Avoid dark colors like black or navy. They absorb sunlight and heat, making you feel hotter. Keep a change of clothes in your car in case you sweat through the ones you’re wearing.

Check your local traffic laws to make sure driving barefoot is legal in your area. Driving in sandals or open-toed shoes will also help keep you cool. Be sure there’s nothing sharp on the floor, like a screw or piece of broken glass.

Double braids or a French twist are other styles that will keep your hair off your neck. Consider wetting your hair before putting it up, too. Driving with damp hair cools your scalp as the air dries it.

If you have a fan-operated fresh air vent, open it and turn on the fan. Then open a rear window enough to draw a draft through your automobile. Opening the car’s sunroof or back window will bring in even more fresh air. If it’s sunny out, though, wear a hat if you decide to open the sunroof so you don’t get even hotter!

For extra cool air, hang a damp rag on the fan. Another option is a solar-powered fan if you live somewhere that gets a lot of bright sunlight.

Window tint is measured in percentage based on how much light it lets through. For example, 35% lets in 35% of the light. The lower the tint percentage, the darker the tint. Take your car to an auto shop to have it tinted or tint the windows yourself. Tinting also protects your interior from UV radiation which can damage your car’s upholstery and dashboard.

Check the weather, too. Don’t roll the windows down if it’s raining, unless you park in a covered area. If you’re parked in your own private garage, roll the windows down all the way. Never leave kids or pets in a hot parked car.

In parking lots, if you’re going to be parked for a long period of time, try to predict where the shade will move based on the sun. If you can’t find shade, create your own by placing sun shields on any windows that are exposed to sunlight.

Before the sun rises is often the coolest time of the day. Overcast days also make for cooler travel. However, avoid rain because it means you won’t be able to open your windows.

Rush hour is one of the worst times for traffic. In the morning, rush hour is typically from 7-9 a. m. In the evening, it’s often from about 4-6 p. m. Other high-traffic times or spots include holiday weekends, construction areas, or days when there are major events in your area like a concert or sports event.

Keep in mind that backroads or neighborhood roads may make your commute longer. Adjust your travel time accordingly.