QUESTION: We aren't sure you can solve this argument, or even if there's a correct answer, but here goes: What's the quickest way to cool down a car parked in the sun? My friends' opinions range from rolling the windows down to let out the heat, to starting to drive immediately so cool air gets under the hood, to using the fresh air setting before using the "recirculate" feature, to directing the air to your feet first to force hot air up and out. Thoughts?

—Eddie

ANSWER: I have my own opinions, but so does Derek Joyce. And since he is the chief product planner for the premium car division of Hyundai — that includes the upcoming Equus, which will take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class — "and past owner of a lot of cars with black interiors," let's go with what he has to say: "I get in, roll down all the windows, turn the air conditioning to maximum, which automatically puts it into recirculating mode, and get the car moving as quickly as I can."

Joyce says it takes modern air conditioning compressors about 60 seconds to properly circulate coolant. "During that period, with the air conditioning and the fan on the highest setting, you're creating a breeze that is forcing overheated air out of the car. When you feel like the air inside the car is equivalent in temperature to the air outside, then it's time to roll up the windows. And by then, the air conditioning should be effectively cooling the interior."

Joyce finds the idea of first directing air at your feet intriguing, but it would likely create less of a forced airflow to blow the hottest air out of the car than if the air is directed from the regular air conditioning vents. Of course, the cooling process will go more quickly if you can find even partial shade to park in, or use a reflective or light-colored foldable shield against the windshield that will block direct sunlight from shining onto the dashboard and upholstery.