Community
25 October, 2024
Stay cool on warm days
AS the warmer weather approaches, our thoughts turn to staying cool – and that includes time spent travelling.
Before heading off, particularly on longer journeys, make sure you do a quick check to ensure your vehicle is running at its best.
Check water and oil and also make sure your tyres are roadworthy and the pressures are set to those recommended by manufacturers – if in doubt, speak with your local tyre experts who have the knowledge and experience to ensure a safe ride.
And when it comes to your vehicle’s air conditioning (AC), there are some things you can do to get the most out of its system.
Your AC relies on your car’s engine to work efficiently; the faster the engine turns, the better your system will work.
The opposite is also true. If you’re not diving around, the AC will take more out of our car in order to work at its best.
Instead of forcing your AC system to go into overdrive the minute you turn your car on, put the rear windows down, start driving and let the fan start working.
Driving around for 30 seconds or so can force all the hot air out of your vehicle’s interior, placing less pressure on the AC to provide quick relief to not only yourself but also your passengers.
Choosing the lowest temperature and using your fan properly should prove more cost-efficient.
While some believe the lower the temperature the more work the AC has to do, this may in fact be the other way around.
Your typical AC system cools the air down to a certain temperature (one that’s usually lower than you may think).
If you choose a higher temperature, the AC will need to heat the air instead; burning more fuel as it works.
The recirculation and fresh air modes on your vehicle’s heating and AC system are designed to regulate the air quality and comfort of your vehicle’s interior.
Knowing when to use them can help you stay comfortable and save some wear and tear on your AC system.
Selecting recirculation mode closes an air duct in the front of the car so that the air from outside doesn’t come inside.
Recirculating the air, particularly on a hot day, puts less stress on your car’s ‘blower motor’ and air compressor, improving the efficiency.
It is recommended that recirculation mode should only be used when the air conditioner is on.
This mode is also useful when you need to cool down a hot car quickly.
Recirculating cooled air, rather than bringing in fresh air from outside, can cool your vehicle quicker.
Recirculating mode can also help to keep out unpleasant odours – which can be helpful at such times as driving behind a large truck, through a tunnel, or when behind a diesel vehicle.
