With the onset of summer and rising temperatures, using the air conditioning in your car becomes inevitable. Although it provides comfort, the air conditioning is a known fuel consumer, which can affect your budget. However, there are several effective life hacks that will help you keep the cabin cool without drastically increasing fuel consumption, especially in European models, which are often optimized for efficiency.
The first and most important tip is not to turn on the air conditioning immediately after starting the car if it has been parked in the sun. Instead, open all the windows for a few minutes to get the accumulated hot air out of the cabin. This allows the system to work more efficiently, since it does not have to cool such a large volume of hot air. Once you've gotten the main heat out, you can close the windows and turn the air conditioning down to a lower setting.
The second tip is to use the air recirculation function. When the air conditioning is running, it cools the air from outside and brings it into the cabin. However, when you activate recirculation, the system starts to cool the already cooled air from the interior, which is significantly more efficient and requires less energy. Use this function, especially when you have already reached the desired temperature or when you are driving in heavy traffic.
The third life hack is to maintain regular maintenance of the air conditioning system. Check the cabin filters regularly and replace them if they are dirty. Clogged filters reduce the efficiency of the system and make it work harder, which leads to higher fuel consumption. Also, make sure the freon level is adequate – at a low level, the air conditioner will have to work more intensively.
The fourth tip concerns the temperature setting. Do not overdo it with the low temperature. A difference of 5-7 degrees between the outside and inside temperature is quite sufficient for comfort. Lowering the temperature by every degree below the optimal setting increases energy consumption. Use the automatic mode of the air conditioner if your car has one, as it is designed to maintain an optimal temperature with minimal consumption.
Finally, consider parking in the shade. If possible, always choose shaded parking spaces. This prevents excessive heating of the car interior, which in turn reduces the need to use the air conditioner intensively when starting off and saves fuel. Small habits can lead to significant savings in the long run.