How to use car air conditioner to save gas but still cool deeply
If you use your car's air conditioner incorrectly, the cooling system can use more gas than you think.
Start right: Don't turn on the air conditioning as soon as you get in the car.
According to American auto technician Ben Sanders - AAA Auto Repair Center (California), the habit of turning on the air conditioner as soon as you get in the car under hot sun is a common mistake.
“The temperature inside a car can reach 60-70 degrees Celsius if parked outdoors. Turning on the air conditioning immediately will cause the system to work too hard to cool it down, thereby wasting more fuel. Roll down the windows for a few minutes to let the hot air escape, then turn on the air conditioning,” Mr. Sanders shared.
Prioritize fresh air, but at the right time
Many drivers choose recirculate mode for faster cooling, but it is not always recommended.
The inside air intake mode helps the car cool down faster, especially when the car has reached a stable temperature. However, if you just got in the car or there are many people, you should take in outside air for a while to push out hot air and CO2go out, then switch back to get air inside to save electricity and cool effectively.
Do not set the temperature too low.
The ideal air conditioning temperature in a car is around 23 - 25 degrees Celsius. Setting the temperature to the lowest level (usually 16 - 18 degrees Celsius) does not cool the car faster, but also makes the engine consume more fuel to maintain continuous deep cold.
Regular maintenance and don't forget your air conditioner
Car air conditioning systems also need to be cleaned and refilled with gas periodically to ensure optimal cooling performance. According to Mr. Sanders, dirty cabin air filters can reduce cooling efficiency by up to 20% and cause the air conditioner to work harder, causing significant fuel consumption.
Turn off the air conditioner at the right time
When you are close to your destination, you can turn off the air conditioner 5 minutes in advance, keep the fan running to dry the evaporator, avoid mold and reduce pressure on the compressor. This is a small but useful tip to save fuel and protect the air conditioning system in the long run.
Note:Car air conditioning is a lifesaver in the hot summer, but using it properly will really bring optimal efficiency and economy. With a few small adjustments in usage habits, you can completely enjoy the feeling of deep coolness without worrying about gas price increase.
