Beat the Summer Heat in Your Car Without Trashing Your AC
Abstain from using air conditioning during Summer: a warning for drivers
Sweltering in a hot car on a scorching summer day is a common predicament. For relief, many drivers reach for their air conditioning. But here's a twist: experts advise against overusing your car's AC during the summer heat.
Commuters have faced this issue. When the sun's merciless and temperature soars, the car gets hot in no time. The AC offers solace, or so it seems. However, it's better for drivers to forgo using their car's AC.
The Unseen Heat – Turning Your Car Into a Hotbox
Sizzling summer comes with an underestimated issue: parked cars heat up rapidly. In just ten minutes, the car's interior can rise by more than 15 degrees. After half an hour, the temperature inside could surge past 55 degrees even when it's "just" 30 degrees outside. A cracked window, mere symbolism. This heat trap can be effortlessly averted with some preparation. Simply open all doors briefly before hopping in, creating a significant improvement in seconds.
A more effective solution: externally positioned sun protection film for the windshield. This film reflects a good chunk of sunlight, reducing heating significantly. A shady parking spot is a double win: less heat buildup, reduced AC usage. However, consider the sun's position — a shady spot in the morning could be unrelentingly exposed at midday. Long-term thinkers favor house walls, trees, or covered parking lots.
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Although the cool blast may seem tempting at first, over-relying on the AC can do more harm than good. Operating the AC at chilly temperatures may result in circulation issues, dry mucous membranes, and summer colds. Experts suggest maintaining an indoor climate between 22 and 25 degrees, with a six-degree difference from the outside temperature. Start with the recirculation mode for better cooling efficiency. Once the interior has cooled down, switch to the fresh air mode.
Position the vents over your shoulders rather than your face. Also, a neglected AC system not only spreads foul odors but also germs. Keep water handy — ideally not ice-cold to avoid imposing strain on your body. A thermos flask filled with warm herbal tea might be a healthier coolant than any sugary drink during the summer. Maintaining stable circulation — even with the exterior promising to shimmer — can keep you comfortable on the road.
Enrichment Insights:- Car AC systems may develop common problems like low refrigerant, clogged cabin air filters, faulty compressors, or electrical malfunctions, which reduce cooling efficiency and may lead to costly repairs if neglected.- Alternative strategies to cool a car's interior include pre-cooling the car by ventilating before driving, using shaded parking, driving with windows slightly open at low speeds, and using the car's fan and ventilation system without AC.- Regular maintenance of the AC system ensures efficient cooling and reduces excessive strain, potentially extending the system's lifespan and improving comfort. If air conditioning is needed, ensure the system is well maintained and not overtaxed by avoidable issues like stop/start engine settings or clogged filters.
- To maintain good health and wellness during summer, drivers should avoid overusing their car's air conditioning and instead keep the indoor climate between 22 and 25 degrees, with a mix of recirculation and fresh air.
- Nutrition plays a role in maintaining comfort on the road; keeping water handy, especially warm herbal tea rather than sugary drinks, can help drivers stay hydrated in the heat.
- In addition to proper AC usage, other measures like parking in shaded areas, using solar films on the windshield, and regular car maintenance can help beat the summer heat without trashing the AC system or negatively impacting the environment.
