When the heat index is 103 degrees, you’re grateful your car has an AC system to keep you cool. But did you know that there are ways to improve your car AC in summer? Use the following tips to make your car AC effective, so you can optimize the comfort your vehicle has to offer.
Made in the shade
If your car is parked outdoors, it can become a furnace as it sits in the sunshine all day. To keep the temperature lower inside your vehicle, try to find a shaded spot. Even if the car only remains in the shade for part of the time it’s parked, this will help make your car AC effective.
If a nice shade tree or building shadow isn’t available, use windshield shades on the windows. These will keep your interior cooler, so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the vehicle when you return to it.
Slow and steady wins the race
Think of starting your AC system like waking someone in the middle of the night. The system has probably been off for some time when you turn on the car and try to crank the AC to full blast. Like the person woken up in the night, this feels abrupt, and it may take some time to get up to full alertness. When you use your car AC in summer, keep this in mind. When you’re adjusting the temperature and blower controls, start in low mode and work your way up.
A tight inner circle
To make your car AC effective, don’t invite the outside air into your AC party. Use recirculation mode so the system reuses the air inside the vehicle. Using this mode prevents new hot air from entering the car, so the AC can continue to make the already-cooling air even cooler. The result is a quicker cooldown for your hot interior and less work for your car AC in summer.
A friendly mechanic
Don’t forget to properly maintain your car AC during the summer. You should have your AC system inspected at least once each year. The cabin air filter also needs to be replaced annually, and the refrigerant in the system needs to be flushed and replaced at some point. Partner with a local mechanic who is certified in AC systems to complete this regular maintenance and keep your car AC effective even on the hottest days of summer.
It’s not an igloo
One more thing to keep in mind: You don’t need to create arctic conditions inside your vehicle. This is actually unhealthy for your body, since drastic changes in temperature can cause headaches, fainting and other issues. To maintain a temperature in your vehicle that is both healthy and comfortable, aim for around 75ºF.
We’ll keep you cool
For top AC performance this summer, partner with the pros at Madison Muffler & Auto Repair. Our certified mechanics will keep your system running smoothly so you can stay cool all season. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your next appointment.