What is the ideal temperature for car air conditioning in hot weather?
4 Answers
In hot weather, it is recommended to set the car air conditioning between 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. The correct method for using the air conditioning is as follows: 1. Open the car windows for ventilation after entering the vehicle; 2. Start the vehicle and turn on the fan to expel the contaminated and hot air from the air conditioning system; 3. After running the fan for 5 minutes on natural air mode, press the air conditioning button to activate the cooling function; 4. Close the windows after one minute of cooling. Maintenance tips for car air conditioning include: 1. Avoid setting the temperature too low; 2. Adjust the air vent direction properly; 3. Do not use it continuously for extended periods; 4. Occasionally use higher fan speeds; 5. Turn off the air conditioning when driving at low speeds. The main components of a car air conditioning system are: 1. Compressor; 2. Condenser; 3. Evaporator; 4. Receiver-drier; 5. Expansion valve.
On hot days, I usually set the air conditioning to around 23°C for optimal comfort. Having driven many cars, I find this temperature to be the sweet spot—cool enough but not shivering cold. In summer, when outside temperatures can soar above 35°C, I start cooling from 25°C and gradually adjust to 22 or 23°C for stable comfort. I’m extra careful not to set it too low when there are children or elderly passengers, as large temperature differences can easily cause colds. Since I often drive family cars, using the auto AC mode is much more hassle-free—it intelligently adjusts the fan speed. Also, setting the temperature too low increases fuel consumption, especially in traffic jams when the compressor runs nonstop. Keeping it in the 23°C zone ensures a comfortable cabin while saving fuel, making every drive smooth. Regular maintenance of the AC filter is also key to reducing odors.
I prefer setting the air conditioning temperature between 24 to 25 degrees, mainly considering fuel efficiency and peace of mind. From my observation, lowering the temperature by just one degree may increase fuel consumption by several percentage points. During hot weather, 24 degrees is sufficiently cool, especially when driving at high speeds where the strong airflow accelerates cooling. I've experimented with setting it at 22 degrees and noticed the fuel gauge dropping significantly faster. This temperature also strikes a balance in comfort, avoiding extremes of cold or heat. For maintenance, regular cleaning of the air conditioning system is recommended to prevent bacterial growth. From an environmental perspective, this setting reduces carbon emissions, making it more eco-friendly. Using the recirculation mode helps maintain a stable temperature and minimizes cool air loss. When setting the temperature, I typically subtract about 5 degrees from the outside temperature—for example, setting it to 25 degrees when it's 30 degrees outside—for a more natural transition.
I usually set the air conditioning to 22°C. On hot days, it feels unbearable as soon as I get in the car, but a few minutes at 22°C makes it refreshing. I remind myself not to set it too low, like below 20°C, as the temperature difference when getting out can easily lead to a cold. The auto mode is very convenient—just set the temperature, and it adjusts the fan speed automatically. Setting the temperature to 22°C is quite suitable for city driving, while on the highway, I might raise it slightly to 23°C if it feels too cool. Considering fuel efficiency, not setting it too low also saves some money. Different car types have different cooling effects—a sedan cools down faster at 22°C than an SUV. Simply put, keeping the temperature within the 22-24°C range is safe and comfortable.
