Hot in the car, the mistakes to avoid, from the tickets to the air conditioning.

In summer, when vehicles are left parked under the sun, interior temperatures can easily exceed 50 degrees Celsius, turning the cabin into an oven. To combat the heat and avoid heatstroke, many drivers rely on outdated habits or so-called tricks that, with strict regulations and evolving technology, have become obsolete or even illegal. One common mistake is starting the engine while the vehicle is stationary to activate the air conditioning at maximum capacity before driving. For cars powered by internal combustion engines, gasoline, diesel, or mild-hybrid, this practice violates Article 157, paragraph 7-bis of the Road Code, which prohibits keeping the engine running during parking to power the climate system. The fine ranges from 223 to 444 euros. To cool down the vehicle, it is recommended to open the doors briefly, drive the first 200–300 meters at low speed with windows down to expel the heat, and only then turn on the climate system. For electric or plug-in vehicles, remote pre-cooling via an app is fully legal and eco-friendly, as it uses energy from the traction battery. On long trips or motorways above 80 km/h, it is advisable not to turn off the air conditioner and instead keep the windows closed. The aerodynamic resistance caused by open windows increases fuel consumption more than the air conditioning system itself consumes. Additionally, the entry of hot air raises the risk of dehydration. The ideal solution is to maintain the air conditioner running while disabling recirculation, allowing fresh outside air to be continuously filtered and cooled. Regarding temperature settings, the old rule of not going below six degrees compared to the outside has been rendered obsolete. With peak temperatures reaching 38–41°C, this would lead to traveling over 32°C, increasing the risk of drowsiness and reduced reflexes. Modern climate systems do not direct cold blasts directly, so the safest choice is to set the climate between 22°C and 24°C in "Auto" mode. It is possible to increase the temperature by two or three degrees in the last ten minutes of the journey to prevent thermal shock upon exiting. Also, there is clarity needed regarding driving with sandals or barefoot. Although there is no explicit prohibition in the Road Code since 1993, Articles 140 and 141 require maintaining full control of the vehicle at all times. Law enforcement can penalize the driver if they consider the footwear inadequate for emergency braking. The main danger concerns insurance: in case of an accident, the indication of inappropriate footwear in the report could trigger economic recovery due to gross negligence. Keeping a pair of closed shoes in the car and wearing them remains the best choice for safety and compliance with regulations.