Drivers feeling the heat when getting in their car during the summer may be tempted to max out the air conditioning, but there is something else they should do first.
Motoring experts at Auto Express have shared some tips for keeping you and your car cool during the hot weather, as temperatures in the UK have reached above 30C in recent days.
Senior content editor Shane Wilkinson warned against whacking on the air con as soon as you get into your vehicle. He said: “Immediately blasting the air con in a sealed hot car places unnecessary strain on the system.
“Opening the doors or windows briefly allows built-up hot air to escape, speeding up the cooling process once the A/C is activated. If it’s safe to do so, leaving windows slightly ajar while parked can also aid ventilation and reduce overall heat build-up.”
He cited research from SEAT that shows the importance of staying cool when you’re behind the wheel, as if temperatures are above 35C in your vehicle, this can impair your driving ability similar to how you would be affected with a 0.05 percent blood alcohol reading. The UK drink driving limit is only slightly higher at 0.08 percent.
Mr Wilkinson shared another tip about when to turn up your air con. He said: “Summer mornings are often deceivingly cool, so it may not seem like you need to use the air-con first thing, but using your car’s air-con early in the day helps maintain a stable cabin temperature, even if it still feels cool outside.”
He also said it’s important to check the pollen filter every 10,000–15,000 miles and get the system regassed if cooling performance drops. Most garages offer a regassing service.
Another thing to think about with how you use your air con is where you direct the vents. The car expert said: “Directing vents straight at your face may feel refreshing, but it’s not the most effective way to cool the interior.
“Aiming the air through lower vents encourages even airflow throughout the cabin, helping cooler air to displace rising heat. Once the temperature is comfortable, you can then redirect airflow as preferred.”
Looking at other functions of your car that you can use to keep cool, Mr Wilkinson shared a warning about air recirculation, which can help the system work more effectively by cooling the existing air inside the cabin.
He said: “Prolonged use can result in fogged-up windows and uneven cooling, particularly in the rear seats. Switching to automatic climate control once the temperature is stable ensures fresh airflow is maintained throughout the vehicle.”
Mr Wilkinson also said that features like stop-start and eco mode can undermine your air con’s efficiency, especially when you are moving slowly in traffic.
He explained: “When the engine stops, so too does the compressor in some systems, leading to reduced cooling. Temporarily switching these systems off ensures continuous air-con operation and a more consistent cabin environment.”
As well as trying to keep yourself cool, it’s important to think about how your car itself can overheat, especially the engine. Mr Wilkinson advised: “Make sure coolant levels are topped up and in good condition and monitor the temperature gauge during prolonged journeys.
“If the gauge approaches the red zone, pull over and shut off the engine immediately. Many garages offer affordable summer checks if you’re unsure of your car’s cooling system health.”