How to Stay Cool and Take Care of Your Sim Racing Gear During Summer

Sim racing can heat up fast—especially during the summer. Whether it’s a long endurance event or an intense online race, both your body and your hardware can feel the heat. Staying cool is essential—not just for comfort and performance, but also for the longevity of your Fanatec gear. Here’s how to keep yourself and your rig in top shape when temperatures rise.

Start with your room. A portable air conditioner or a quiet tower fan can make a huge difference. If that’s not an option, open a window, draw the curtains, and keep electronics spaced out to reduce ambient heat.

For direct airflow at your station, try a clip-on fan or go all out with a racing-specific setup that reacts to your in-game speed for both immersion and cooling.

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and keep water nearby. During long sessions, a hydration backpack or straw-equipped bottle helps you stay focused and avoid fatigue.

Sweaty hands can damage premium materials like Alcantara. Fanatec’s Sim Racing Gloves help protect your wheel and provide consistent grip. For long races, a ventilated seat cushion can improve airflow and comfort.

Heat and sweat can accelerate wear if you don’t keep your gear clean. Here’s what we recommend:

• Alcantara cleaner & brush kit – Use pH-neutral products like Sonax Alcantara Cleaner and a soft brush to keep your wheels (like the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X) fresh.
• Compressed air – Ideal for clearing dust from ventilation areas on your CSL DD or ClubSport DD+ Wheel Base. Good airflow helps internal fans do their job.
• Microfiber cloths & isopropyl spray – Clean pedals, shifters, and button boxes without damaging electronics. Always spray on the cloth, not directly on the gear.
• Pedal maintenance kit – A bit of lube and a hex tool will keep your CSL Pedals or ClubSport V3s running smoothly in all conditions.

While summer heat is real, the good news is Fanatec wheel bases are designed to handle it. As we explain in this article, our bases feature integrated cooling systems that prevent thermal throttling—even during long races or high ambient temperatures. Still, keeping dust out and allowing airflow around your rig helps them work at their best.