What is the most fuel-efficient temperature to set your car's AC in summer?
2 Answers
Before getting in the car, you should open all windows and doors to let the interior temperature and odors dissipate before starting the engine and turning on the AC. It is recommended to set the AC temperature around 20°C in external circulation mode, not too low as extremely low temperatures will significantly increase fuel consumption. Once the interior temperature cools down, switch the AC to internal circulation mode and you may appropriately adjust the temperature higher based on personal preference. Specific guidelines are as follows: 1. AC vents: Try to direct the AC vents upwards, and avoid placing items like phone holders or car fragrances near the vent openings as they may obstruct airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. 2. AC fuel consumption: The slower the interior temperature drops, the higher the fuel consumption will be. Always remember to turn off the AC before parking and shutting off the engine at your destination to prevent the AC from starting automatically when the car is restarted, which can also lead to increased fuel consumption.
When it comes to saving fuel while driving in summer, as an experienced driver with years of practice, I've found that setting the air conditioning between 23 to 25 degrees is most ideal. Setting the temperature too high makes the cabin uncomfortably hot, but setting it too low, like 18 degrees, forces the AC compressor to work excessively, putting heavy load on the engine and consuming more fuel. I remember during a recent heatwave, I set it at 24 degrees with auto mode, and my fuel consumption was nearly 10% lower than usual—cool and cost-effective. It's best to open the windows for a few minutes to ventilate and cool down the car before closing them and turning on the AC, avoiding high-load operation of the compressor right after startup. Also, check if the cabin air filter is clean; a dirty one reduces efficiency and increases fuel consumption. During traffic jams, avoid running the AC at full capacity—slightly raising the temperature can save a lot on fuel. These small habits, accumulated over time, benefit both your wallet and your car.
