As we head into summer, we’re going to rely on our car air conditioning to keep us comfortable as we drive. It’s become an indispensable addition to any modern vehicle and it’s something that most of us don’t even think about – until it goes wrong! But did you know that there are a few things you can do to ensure that your air con doesn’t let you down or have too much of an effect on your fuel consumption?
Our local Kingsgrove mechanic shared four of the most common mistakes that most of us make with our car air conditioning.
Putting it on Full Blast
We know that it’s tempting to crank up the air con as soon as you get in the car, especially when the temperatures outside are soaring. But that’s not the best way to cool down you and your car. Rather than turn it up full blast as soon as you get in the car, the best thing to do is open your windows and door to allow the trapped air to escape before you switch on the air con. When you do switch it on, use a low setting to start with – you’ll not only cool your car more efficiently, but you’ll avoid the adverse effect on your fuel consumption.
Directing the Air Flow Directly at You
Most of us position the airflow vents so that they’re pointing straight at us. However, if you reposition them so that they direct airflow around the car, the cooler air will be circulated more quickly and more evenly.
Always Relying on Aircon
While it’s far more pleasant to drive in an air-conditioned vehicle than with the windows down, there are some occasions when you should perhaps switch it off and open the windows. One such occasion is when you are stuck in traffic. Cutting down your aircon use will mean that you won’t need to re-gas your air con as often which, in turn, means fewer trips to your Bexley mechanic.
Forgetting About Regular Maintenance
Just like any other component of our vehicle, the air conditioning system will require regular maintenance, and yet we rarely think about it until we have a problem. So, instead of waiting for a problem, schedule regular maintenance appointments in your diary. Our local Earlwood mechanic suggests that A/C should be serviced every two years or so.
Are You Making These Mistakes?
These are the four most common mistakes that drivers make with the air conditioning in their vehicles. As you can see, they not only affect the efficiency of the aircon but may affect your fuel consumption too. Isn’t it time you paid more attention to your aircon?