On Tiktok, a British scientist shared a relatively simple tip to refresh the interior of a car parked in full sun. But should we trust it? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, lists the advantages (and disadvantages) of this technique.
Car and warmth: What is this tip that makes the buzz on Tiktok?
While temperatures remain high in France (35 ° C on average, if not, in many regions) Hannah Fry, scientist and presenter of the BBC, shared an unprecedented method on her networks to quickly lower the temperature in his car. A quickly viral tip, since the video has almost 3.6 million views on Tiktok.
But in detail, what to expect? Concretely, the university professor and graduate in fluid mechanics, recommends “to exploit air flows to evacuate heat from the passenger compartment“. Indeed, “When you open and close the door quickly, this one, moving outwards, chases all the air that embarks it, thus creating a low pressure zone“Explains the scientist.
This phenomenon generates momentary depression in the immediate vicinity of the door. The ambient air, denser, then seeks to quickly fill this void, which causes an air call. A rather convincing technique on paper, but which however has some limits.
A technique that is “not truly revolutionary“”
The tip in question – which consists in opening a door and “pumping” hot air by activating another door – can actually help evacuate a part of the heat accumulated in the passenger compartment, confirms Dr Gérald Kierzek.
“Fast and economical, it does not require air conditioning and can lower the temperature by several degrees in a few seconds. Nevertheless, its effectiveness is limited if the outside air is already very hot, it does not cool the surfaces (seats, steering wheel, dashboard), which remain burning. Finally, this technique remains less effective than active ventilation or air conditioning”, warns the medical director of True Medical. Brief, “It is not truly revolutionary “.
Is it sufficient to avoid the heat stroke?
No, not alone. “”Heat stroke (hyperthermia) occurs when the body no longer manages to regulate its temperature, especially in a confined and overheated environment – like a car in full“, Warns Dr. Kierzek.
To limit this risk, several preventive measures are recommended:
- Use sun visor;
- Park the vehicle in the shade as much as possible;
- Ventilate the cabin well before entering it;
- Activate air conditioning if it is available.
“Hydration also plays a key role: it is essential to drink water regularly – a good crucial habit in children and vulnerable people. Finally, you should never leave a person or an animal, alone in a parked car, even for a short duration even if the windows are ajar”, concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.