Now that summer is in full swing and temperatures are rising above the twenty, your car looks more like a sauna than a limo. Thankfully, most cars are equipped with an air conditioner that allows the heat to fade quickly out of your car. We have collected some tips on how to get the best use out of your aircon.
Open the windows first
Did your car stand in the sun all day? If so, open the windows first so that the hot air can escape. After a minute or two your car will be well ventilated and you will be able to turn on the aircon. Doing so will not overwork the air conditioning and will save you fuel.
Use your aircon on a regular basis
When thinking about air conditioning, almost automatically summer comes to mind. However, it can also be useful during autumn and winter. In fact, an air conditioning system extracts moisture from the air and ensures that your windows do not fog up during wet seasons. It is also better for the system itself. This way you prevent gaskets and seals from drying out and makes sure that the bearings and pump are moving. A great rule of thumb is to turn on your aircon for ten minutes every week.
Do not turn the air conditioning too low
After having driven in a cold car, a step into a lot warmer outside world can give you a figurative knock of the hammer. This is why it is recommended that the temperature of your aircon should not be set cooler than eight degrees below the outside temperature. This prevents colds and fainting when getting out of the car. In addition, it is better for your fuel consumption.
Avoid unpleasant smells
You might have experienced that your car smells like sweaty feet while turning on the air conditioning. This is the result of bacterial and fungal growth in your aircon. It can easily be avoided by turning off the A/C 5 to10 minutes before you reach your destination. Less moisture is left behind in the condenser and bacteria and moulds have less chance to grow.
Taking care of the air conditioning on time
Regular checks and timely maintenance of your aircon will save you a lot of unpleasant surprises. It prevents odours, polluted air and a busted aircon system. So, have it checked at every yearly maintenance. In addition, the dry filter should be replaced every four years to prevent compressor damage. Our service centre staff will be happy to help you with any questions you may have about the operation and maintenance of your aircon system.