How to Properly Use Car Air Conditioning in Summer?

[DiDaniela]

Correct methods for using car air conditioning in summer: 1. After entering a car that has been exposed to the sun, do not immediately start the car and turn on the air conditioning. Many car owners, eager to cool down the overheated interior, fail to realize that this prevents air convection and slows down the cooling process; 2. After starting the car, if the interior temperature is very high, first open the doors and windows to release the accumulated hot air. When the temperature inside and outside the car is similar, close the doors and windows, then turn on the air conditioning with internal circulation for better cooling efficiency; 3. Turn off the air conditioning in time while driving. During traffic jams, when the car is idling, the air conditioning's efficiency is lower, and the engine bears a greater load. Prolonged use of the air conditioning increases the condenser pressure, which not only damages the cooling system but also reduces its effectiveness. Therefore, when the interior temperature is comfortable, it's best to turn off the air conditioning for a while, which also saves fuel; 4. Remember to turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine. A few minutes before turning off the car, first turn off the air blower, then promptly turn off the A/C button (air conditioning cooling switch). This allows the blower to remove moisture from the evaporator, preventing unpleasant odors in the air conditioning system.

[ColtonLee]

Here are some tips for using car air conditioning in summer, which I often follow: When you first start the car, don’t rush to turn on the AC. Instead, roll down all the windows to let the hot air escape for a minute or two. After the heat dissipates, close the windows and press the auto mode to start the AC. Setting the temperature around 26°C is ideal—not too low to avoid catching a cold. If there’s a musty smell from the AC, it’s likely due to a dirty cabin air filter, which should be replaced promptly to avoid respiratory issues. Additionally, switch between recirculation and fresh air modes every half hour while driving. Use recirculation first to cool down faster, then switch to fresh air mode to bring in clean air and prevent CO₂ buildup that can cause dizziness. Lastly, avoid running the AC for long periods while idling—it wastes fuel and harms the engine.

[VanAriel]

In summer driving, I pay special attention to air conditioning comfort: don't start cooling immediately after getting in the car, first turn on the external circulation fan to blow air and cool down. Then use the automatic mode to adjust, setting the temperature between 25 to 27 degrees, which is suitable for the human body and doesn't irritate the skin. I let the system automatically control the airflow, but sometimes manually reduce it to avoid excessive noise. Remember to use internal circulation more often for quick cooling, then switch to external circulation for ventilation after cooling down. Don't aim the air conditioning vents directly at the face or body, as it can easily cause joint pain or colds. Regularly clean the air conditioning ducts to remove dust and bacteria, maintaining good air quality. Turn off the air conditioning a few minutes before parking and turning off the engine, and only use the fan to dry the interior to prevent mold growth.

[Louise]

Fuel-saving tips for using car air conditioning: After starting the vehicle, don't turn on the AC immediately. Wait 1-2 minutes for the engine to warm up before pressing the auto button. Avoid setting the temperature too low - each degree lower increases fuel consumption. Use auto mode to let the system intelligently adjust fan speed and temperature. Running AC at highway speeds consumes less fuel than open windows which increase drag. Avoid prolonged use of recirculation mode as it causes oxygen deprivation and adds engine load. Turn off AC and engine during long stops, or crack windows for ventilation. Regularly check refrigerant levels and compressor to ensure maximum efficiency.