5 tips to improve car AC performance and save fuel
As summer intensifies, a well-functioning car AC is essential. Many drivers unknowingly stress their AC, leading to inefficient cooling and higher fuel consumption. If your AC isn't optimal or you're fueling more often, smart tweaks can improve cooling and mileage. Here are five effective ways.
Vent out the hot air before switching on the AC Before you power on the air conditioner, it helps to roll down all the windows and run the blower fan for a minute or two. This process helps push out the superheated air trapped inside the cabin, especially if the car has been parked under the sun. Once the interior feels a bit cooler, you can close the windows and start the AC. This step reduces the initial load on the AC and allows it to cool the cabin faster and more efficiently.
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Turn on the recirculation mode Once your AC is up and running, enabling the recirculation mode can improve its performance significantly. Instead of constantly pulling in hot, humid air from outside, the AC reuses the already-cooled air inside the vehicle. This helps maintain a consistent temperature with less effort from the compressor, leading to reduced energy consumption and better fuel economy during long drives or city commutes.
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Avoid direct sun exposure while parking Heat buildup inside your car directly affects how hard your AC has to work. To reduce the cabin temperature even before you start driving, try to park in the shade whenever possible. If you can’t find a covered spot, use sunshades on the windshield and side windows to block direct sunlight. This keeps your interior noticeably cooler and allows the AC to stabilise the temperature quickly without overexertion.
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Maintain your cabin air filters Your car’s cabin air filter plays a critical role in how effectively cool air circulates. Over time, these filters collect dust, pollen, and other debris, reducing airflow and forcing the AC system to work harder. A clogged filter can lead to weak airflow and uneven cooling. To prevent this, check your filters regularly and clean or replace them as recommended in your car’s maintenance schedule.
Avoid setting the AC to maximum cold Blasting your AC at the lowest possible temperature may feel refreshing, but it puts unnecessary strain on the system and increases fuel usage. Instead, setting your climate control to around 24°C is ideal. It maintains comfort without making the AC run constantly, improving overall fuel efficiency.
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