Using a car’s air conditioning in hot weather can be a tricky task, as the car’s air conditioning system is put to the test during the summer season. When the temperature rises so high that it seems to melt even the road asphalt, it’s tempting to crank the air conditioner to high speed, hoping to beat the heat. Most people don’t know how the system works, so they use it incorrectly and consume more fuel than necessary.
Using the car’s air conditioning in hot weather: tips to maximize performance
It’s a sunny summer afternoon and you just want to get home from the office. Well, get in the car and you’ll feel like you’re being roasted in an oven! It takes a few minutes for the air conditioner to kick in and run at full capacity. However, you no longer need to sweat because these tips will help cool the vehicle faster. Let’s look at some best ways to use a car’s air conditioning in hot weather.
1. Pump out the hot air
No one likes to sit in an oven, even if it’s just for a few minutes. So, your first step is to cool down the interior (or expel the very hot air inside the vehicle). Before getting in the car, roll down the rear windows and open and close the driver’s door several times in succession. This will expel hot air in seconds.
2. Pump out more while driving
The air conditioning works much better while you are driving because the compressor spins faster with the engine’s rotation. Turning on the air conditioning before driving will only waste time and fuel. Keep the passenger seat windows open for half a minute to expel hot air from the cabin. Don’t make the mistake of opening the front windows, as this will only clear the front area while the rear cabin is still hot.
It will be faster if your car is equipped with a sunroof. While driving, leave it open for a minute and all the hot air will rise and escape through the opening.
3. Turn on the AC at low speed
You already know that the temperature inside a vehicle tends to be higher than outside. Set the air conditioner to the lowest temperature so that it draws air from outside the car and cools it. On the other hand, turning it to “Max” will force the machine to take air from the passenger cabin, which is hotter than the outside air. Thus, the air conditioner has to work harder if you set it to maximum speed at the beginning.
4. Change the dirty filter
To effectively use a car’s air conditioning in hot weather, you not only need to adjust the system but also check a few components. You won’t get optimal airflow if the cabin air filter is dirty. Check it regularly to see if it’s clear or contains dirt. You will need to change it if it becomes dirty and greasy. It is relatively easier to access and change on newer cars, but you need to call a mechanic for an older model.
The video will show you how to prepare the automatic air conditioning on hot summer days.
5. Turn off the automatic system
The air conditioning in newer vehicles turns off automatically when the engine is not running. This saves fuel, but doesn’t help in hot weather, when a long traffic light could make you sweat. Disable the function so that the interior stays cool even when you have to stop the engine for a few minutes.
6. Use the recirculation mode
When you start the air conditioner, set it to “recirculation” mode. This prevents hot air from outside from being drawn into the cabin, thus allowing the system to cool the air more quickly. Once the interior temperature is comfortable, you can switch to “fresh air” mode to introduce outside air.
7. Park strategically
Whenever possible, park your car in shaded areas or use sunshades to block direct sunlight. This helps prevent excessive heat buildup inside the car, thus reducing the time and energy needed to cool it down.
8. Set the temperature correctly
Set the AC temperature to a comfortable level rather than the lowest setting. Overcooling the air can strain the air conditioning system and waste fuel. Aim for a temperature that allows you to stay comfortable without having to wear heavy clothing.
9. Maintain your air conditioning system
Regularly maintain your car’s air conditioning system by cleaning or replacing the cabin air filter as recommended by the manufacturer. A clogged filter can reduce airflow and efficiency.
Watch more in this video:
In summary
By implementing these tips, you can improve the efficiency of your car’s air conditioning system, resulting in a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience while reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact. Stay cool and drive safely.