Making the most of your Air Conditioning
It’s not as simple as closing the windows and switching on the blower at full blast. You will eventually get cooled that way, but it could cost you more than a browful of sweat.
The interior is always hot when the car has been standing for a while. The best way to get the temperature down quickly is to keep the circulation switch on ‘fresh’, put down the windows a little, which lets the hot air escape. Then put the windows up, turn the circulation switch to recirculate, and press the A/C switch. This way the hot air is evacuated faster and the cabin is cooled quickly.
How many on board? With just two of you in the car, it’s best to have the A/C set to blow air at the face and feet. If there are more than two people in the car, the full airflow should be directed through the dashboard grille, so that the rear passengers also get a draught of cool air.
Driving slowly The faster the engine runs, the more effectively the A/C operates. In a traffic jam, or up a long incline, use a lower gear than usual, thus maintaining a higher engine rpm. This will prevent the engine from overheating and provide better cooling. More importantly, it will prevent the engine from stalling, which is the last thing you would want to happen in the summer heat.
Driving fast With the temperature setting at the coldest position, driving at high speed for hours may cause frost build-up in the evaporator. This is also called ‘icing’. When this happens, the blower speed drops and the temperature inside the cabin begins to rise. To avoid this, adjust the temperature to a medium cold setting, which allows the thermostat to cut off the compressor before icing takes place.
Did you know at the peak of summer, the closed cabin of a car parked in the sun can exceed 55deg C? Remember walking into such a car, touching the steering wheel and screaming out the choicest expletives? To avoid this, always try to park in a shaded place. If you must park under the blazing sun, make it a point to leave the windows down an inch to avoid the cabin becoming a furnace.
You Have Been Warned !!!!