5 tips to get better cooling from your car AC and increase mileage

Car AC vent

As summer temperatures rise, your car's air conditioning system becomes essential for a comfortable ride. But if your AC struggles to cool effectively, it could be working harder than necessary and consuming more fuel. Here are five simple yet effective tips to help your car's AC perform better while saving fuel.

Before switching on the AC, open the windows for a couple of minutes and run the fan. This allows the trapped hot air inside the car to escape, easing the load on the AC. Once the cabin temperature drops slightly, close the windows and turn on the air conditioner for quicker, more efficient cooling.

After the AC is running, enable the recirculation setting. This mode cools the already-conditioned air inside the cabin instead of pulling in hot air from outside. As a result, it helps maintain a consistent temperature and reduces the time the compressor needs to run, improving fuel economy.

Whenever possible, park your vehicle in the shade or use windshield sunshades. A cooler cabin at start-up means your AC won’t have to work overtime to bring down the temperature, leading to faster cooling and better energy efficiency.

Dust and debris can clog your car’s air filters over time, restricting airflow and reducing AC performance. Regularly checking and cleaning or replacing the filters ensures better airflow and consistent cooling.

Running the AC at the lowest temperature setting may cool the cabin quickly, but it also increases fuel usage. Setting the AC to around 24°C — as recommended by energy efficiency guidelines — strikes a balance between comfort and fuel efficiency. At this level, the system doesn’t have to work constantly, helping reduce fuel consumption.