Summer’s here and the time is right… for blasting your car’s AC. But just because it’s hotter than heck outside doesn’t mean you should use your car’s air conditioner willy-nilly. There are actually a handful of best practices that you can employ to get the most out of your AC, ensuring longevity of life and peak performance.
Here are five tips you should add to your daily summer cruising repertoire to keep your car’s AC working all summer:
- Turn your AC off before you kill the engine. There are a couple of practical reasons why this is a good idea. For one, it helps acclimate your body to the external temperature so you don’t get hit with an overwhelming heatwave as you step outside of your car. But on an entirely different level, leaving your AC engaged could greatly reduce the life of your battery because of the added current that’s drawn when you go to restart your car.
- Keep your windows cracked when parked on extremely hot days. Having an AC is a great luxury in the heat of summer, but extending its life depends on taking steps to ensure it doesn’t have to overwork itself to do its job. Leaving your car windows open – even if just a half-inch – can cut back dramatically on the heat buildup inside your car, thus ensuring your air conditioner’s rapid effectiveness.
- Give your car a few minutes to air out before you get in. Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of cracking their windows open, especially if they have to leave their car parked in public for extended periods of time. We don’t blame you. As an alternative, consider throwing open your car doors and rolling down all windows for a few minutes to let the hot air out before you get inside. Dropping the internal temperature, even if by just a few degrees, can also lessen the strain on your car’s AC.
- Run your AC for at least ten minutes, once a week, regardless of the weather. Keeping your car’s AC system at peak performance requires routine exercise that acts as a preventative against moisture and mildew buildup. To ensure it will be in tip-top shape when you really need it, perform this year-round.
- Kill your AC and roll down your windows when stopped at red lights and when driving in stop-and-go traffic. Running your air conditioning puts a serious strain on your engine and can take a huge bite out of your car’s fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. Taking this step can not only extend the life of your AC but can also save you quite a few dollars at the gas pump. But when you’re traveling at highway speeds, your car is more susceptible to wind drag. Under these circumstances it becomes more fuel efficient to roll your windows up and crank the cool air.
As a rule of thumb, you should have your car’s air conditioner recharged every two to three years to ensure optimum performance. Past the 3 year mark? No problem. Use Openbay to compare pricing and book service from quality local shops online in minutes.
