Blasting car AC directly at yourself in summer heat may harm your health
Estonian media outlet Postimees warns that a common habit — turning the car air conditioner to full power and pointing the cold air directly at oneself after entering a sun-heated car — can be harmful to health.
/nginx/o/2026/08/03/17826486t1ha7b6.jpg)
On hot summer days, the temperature inside a car left in the sun can rise very quickly to dangerously high levels. Getting into such an overheated vehicle, with an interior resembling a sauna, many drivers instinctively turn the air conditioner to full power and aim the cold air stream directly at themselves to cool down faster.
Estonian media outlet Postimees has highlighted this seemingly harmless but widespread habit, noting that it can negatively affect health. While the desire to escape the heat as quickly as possible is understandable, a sudden, direct blast of cold air is not recommended for the body.
The habit is particularly relevant during the summer season, when cars left standing in the sun can heat up to extreme temperatures within just a few minutes. To avoid potential health effects, drivers are advised to take a more careful approach to cooling down their car after stepping into a hot interior.


