Woman Covers Car With Cow Dung to Beat the Heat
As temperatures across India soared to dangerous levels this summer, one woman’s unconventional solution to beat the heat has captured national and international attention.
Sejal Shah, a resident of Ahmedabad, made headlines after covering her Toyota Corolla Altis with cow dung in an effort to keep the car cool during extreme heat conditions. With temperatures climbing to around 45°C (113°F), Shah said she was looking for a natural and affordable way to survive the scorching summer without relying heavily on air conditioning.
Her inspiration came from traditional Indian cooling methods, where cow dung has long been used as a natural insulator on the walls and floors of rural homes. The material is believed to have heat-resistant properties and has been used for generations to regulate indoor temperatures.
“I thought, if it works on houses, why not try it on my car?” Shah reportedly said. After applying a layer of dried cow dung to the exterior of the vehicle, she noticed a significant difference. According to Shah, the inside of the car stayed noticeably cooler, even during peak afternoon heat, reducing the need for air conditioning.
Images of the dung-coated car quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread debate. Some users reacted with disbelief or humor, calling the idea bizarre or impractical. Others, however, praised Shah for her creativity and environmental awareness, applauding the move as an eco-friendly alternative to energy-intensive cooling methods.
Supporters pointed out that reducing air-conditioning use not only lowers fuel consumption but also cuts carbon emissions — a growing concern as heatwaves intensify due to climate change. Environmentalists noted that small, unconventional steps like this can spark broader conversations about sustainable living and climate adaptation.
Experts say cow dung does have insulating properties when dried, though they caution that long-term use on vehicles could raise hygiene, maintenance, and safety concerns. Still, many acknowledge that Shah’s experiment highlights how traditional knowledge can intersect with modern problems in unexpected ways.
In Ahmedabad and other heat-stricken regions, residents are increasingly seeking low-cost solutions to cope with extreme temperatures. From mud-coated walls to reflective paints and natural ventilation techniques, old practices are gaining renewed interest in the face of modern climate challenges.
Whether viewed as a clever hack or a curious stunt, Sejal Shah’s cow-dung-coated car has undeniably sparked conversation. At a time when record-breaking heat is pushing people to their limits, her story serves as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always require high-tech solutions — sometimes, it comes from reimagining traditions passed down through generations.