macroLiving

Summer time and your car’s air-conditioner will almost always be switched on when you’re driving. Here’s how you can make the most efficient use of it:

• For faster cooling on a hot day, travel with the windows open and the AC on (fan set high) for a few minutes. This will drive out the hot air. Then shut the windows and travel for a few minutes with the air conditioning on at the re-circulate position. Then put the air supply in the normal (vent closed) position. Set fan slower too.
• Don’t freeze inside! The higher the difference between internal and external temperature, the higher the fuel consumption.
• Using the AC consumes just as much fuel as if you were traveling with open windows:up to 10% more than with the windows closed and the AC turned off.
• When not in use, turn on the AC at least once a week to prevent its refrigerant gas from leaking.
• Prevent stale air caused by bacteria in the evaporator by switching off the AC 5 to 10 minutes before you leave the car.
• And, of course, as far as possible, park in the shade.