With the advent of heat and with high fuel prices, it is important to find the balance to cool the car without the consumption skyrocketing
Many miles and hours are spent in the car at this time of year, so it is important to ensure that the vehicle’s climate control system is working properly. With the current fuel prices, which can be above 2 euros per litre, it is important to ensure good air conditioning and at the same time try not to skyrocket the consumption of the car.
It is true that both air conditioning and automatic climate control require a greater effort from the engine than it takes to run a compressor. And this “extra” effort also means more consumption.
This “overload” represents an average of 6% more fuel consumption, although this figure can be reduced to 2 or 4% if we have automatic climate control. Some approximate figures as it will also depend on what our vehicle is, its age and our driving style.
Due to air conditioning, we travel with more comfort, which also results in more safety. A high temperature in our car can also cause drowsiness and increase the risk of an accident. According to some studies, a motorist traveling with a temperature of about 35ºC has similar reflexes as he would have after having a few beers.
In theory, driving with the windows open will reduce the fuel consumption of the car. But only in theory and under certain conditions: When we drive below 70 km/h. With the windows open, the air resistance of our car ensures that we use more energy. The vehicle is more aerodynamic with the windows closed than with open. At more than 70 km/h, the increase in consumption may be slightly less than or equal to that of having the air conditioning connected.
To keep fuel consumption as low as possible, this air conditioner best keeps a temperature in our car between 20 and 23 degrees.
In addition to this first recommendation, from Oscaro, they offer us 5 important tips to use the car’s air conditioning efficiently during the holidays and avoid the heat while traveling:
Before you drive off: While it may seem obvious, trying to park in the shade is the ultimate “trick” to keep the vehicle from reaching high temperatures. It is true that in the summer, whether on the beach or in the city, it is not always possible. One solution that helps to reduce the temperature in the vehicle to 10º is to open the doors while the air conditioning is running on low power. In this way, the cooling process is accelerated without increasing energy consumption and you save up to 20% on vehicle consumption.
The first kilometers without air at full capacity: we have already started the march, we will set the air conditioning to a medium level with the windows down until we get up to speed, after which the air conditioning revolutions can be increased and increased.
Point the vent upwards: Cold air weighs more than warm air, so pointing the vents toward the ceiling cools the vehicle’s interior faster and promotes air circulation.
Never less than 22 degrees: it is advisable to keep the temperature between 22º and 23º and not towards the face or neck, but towards the ceiling. In summer, we tend to set the air conditioning to very low temperatures to escape the heat as quickly as possible, which can be harmful to our health. In fact, the great temperature contrasts cause unexpected colds that can jeopardize the rest of the holiday.
For long journeys, air recirculation is better: once the ideal temperature is reached, and especially for long journeys, it is best to use the “air recirculation” function to take advantage of the cold air in the passenger compartment and ensure that all passengers, even those those in the back of the car enjoy a pleasant temperature throughout the journey. In addition, in this way we avoid overuse of the cooling system and we protect the compressor against possible malfunctions.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
