Solutions for keeping cool in a car with no A/C?

Question

So my car's A/C went out about 4 or 5 weeks ago and i've been sweating a lot while driving. It's also kind of embarrassing when I pick my friends up and we have to drive with the windows down because of how hot it is inside the cabin. I tried adding some refrigerant to my car however, my A/C compressor won't kick on so i'm guessing i'll need to buy a new compressor. My A/C fan works and it gets cooler while driving, but it's not enough to make the entire cabin cool like it was before. I don't want to be driving with the windows down all the time because of my window regulator failing and I don't want to spend so much money in repairs. I recently just thought of just getting some ice packs and a cooler and throwing them in my trunk to cool my car (SUV). I don't want to buy portable air conditioners and fans for my car because it's just more clutter inside. Any solutions? It's a BMW 3 series SUV with 63,000 miles.

Answer 1

If you know someone with a walk in freezer big enough to park your car in, you could wet down the seats, park the car in the freezer and then you can be cooled through the seats.  No AC required.

Answer 2

get AC. system checked .often its a simple case of adding new refrigerant ! or compressor or condenser failed .no point guessing .not cheap but a refill and check on system is not expensive!  an investment really if keeping car. at least a check and a quotation to start with.

Answer 3

I drive with my windows down the vast majority of the time, even when it is extremely hot/humid - and even though the AC in my car works perfectly fine.



I will sometimes make exceptions for when other people are riding in my car, but I never feel like I'm under any obligation to do so.



As far as your A/C - you need to take it to some shops and get quotes for fixing it.

Answer 4

Yes check that......

Answer 5

Arizona 4-40 cooling.  All 4 windows down and 40 mph.

Answer 6

You clearly have not been running your a?C weekly for a few minutes.

This keeps it in good condition.

If you don't it seises and that in turn will effect the way the car's engine burns fuel.

Answer 7

The compressor will not engage unless you have enough refrigerant pressure, this is to keep it from burning out.  You probably have a leak that needs to be found and fixed.

Answer 8

I'd be surprised if a BMW with that low a mileage would need a compressor. You say it gets cool a little while driving. Can you see the compressor clutch spinning the compressor or is the outer part of the clutch only spinning? I'd find someone that knows what they are doing to help you put a can of AC Pro in the system. If the compressor is spinning you are still low on 134a.

Answer 9

In the meantime, park in the shade when you can. Use a sunscreen behind the windshield or whatever windows are in the sun when parked. Tell your friends your a/c is faulty. It's nothing to be embarrassed about.  If they don't like it, they can always get out

Answer 10

BMW ?   Right, the Quandt's were better at building ovens than air conditioners.

Answer 11

In Texas, we had very, very few air conditioned cars when I was a kid. Our air conditioner was 4-40. 4 windows down at 40 miles per hour. 

Answer 12

You're either going to have to drive with your windows rolled down, or you're going to have to take your car to a mechanic who works on A/C and have your A/C repaired. 

Answer 13

Have someone engage the AC with the motor running and see if the AC compressor clutch engages. A mechanic knocked the electrical plug out on mine. Plugging it back in fixed everything.

Answer 14

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Answer 15

Aside from opening windows, the only alternative is to just repair the problem. 



Have a look at my answer in 



https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20200626184148AAfhw7R 



There is some basic A/C repair info there. 



You need a gauge set. 



Automotive air conditioning systems generally stop working because of a refrigerant LEAK, or because of an ELECTRICAL problem in the control system. 



You need to make an initial determination which direction to go.  Trying to add refrigerant is a bad first step. 



Also, filling an empty system too slowly can INJURE the compressor.  Besides, an empty system needs the leak found and repaired, and then be evacuated before recharging.



Assuming that your compressor needs to be replaced is NOT logical.  Why are you guessing that you need to replace the compressor?



-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972 

-A/C repair since 1980

Answer 16

Leave the windows cracked when not in the car. Try one of those as seen on tv swamp coolers they sell them at walmart, they may work and could work on an ac to cigarette lighter adapter. 

Answer 17

Try sticking a paperclip or some wire in between the magnetic clutch on the external part of the clutch not internal you don't have to take anything apart it's on YouTube it's called the old mechanics paperclip trick maybe a little engage and give you some cool air

Answer 18

Get your AC fixed.

Answer 19

Get it serviced. Almost certainly a leak has cost you nearly all of the refrigerant. This leak needs to be found & fixed, the system pulled down t oa vacuum & the correct amount of the correct refrigerant added.

Answer 20

drive naked dude

Answer 21

I have never seen a guy in a convertible sports car get up tight because his A/C is the fresh air.

GROW A PAIR.

Nobody on a motorcycle has a problem with their A/C.  

Your friends could always WALK. (or better yet they dole out the cash for repairing your A/C)

[they won't because it is a temporary inconvenience] WALKING is long term.

. People, what they do is look for the parking space that is shady. A tree or building. That helps alot.  Also they carry those windshield sun blockers (it has a pattern or looks like foil) to shade the interior & it helps especially if your dash is black. Buy at Wally's or some other autoplace.

Answer 22

Drive naked and put on clothes when you get there.

Answer 23

Check the relevant fuse. Get it fixed, it's probably just lack of pressure and a specialist garage could deal with that and find a leak.  Otherwise travel in the early morning or later at night

Answer 24

maybe check the fuse and relay

Answer 25

Fire the parts cannon and try replacing the AC relay and AC fuse.  Worth a shot.  No luck, buy a small 12V fan and connect it to your cigarette lighter port.

Answer 26

you need to properly diagnose the problem (or pay someone to diagnose it) and either fix it or live with it. if those people are actually your "friends" then they can get over it. If your compressor wont kick on at all, that could be an electrical issue. You should use online advice to try to find the problem yourself, and if you can't then maybe you should just bring it to a shop to have them see what the issue is. 





There isn't a solution, the only thing you can really do is just get a 12v fan that plugs in. (And bring some ice cold water bottles with you) I drove a car without A/C for 4 years. Wasn't an issue for me because I have no friends, and half the year it's not that hot anyway.

Answer 27

windows down do 90

Answer 28

Mobile shower unit with a Ice cold water supply.