Summer has arrived, and temperatures are rising day by day, prompting many people to choose cars as their primary mode of transportation. However, many car owners often make mistakes when using their car’s air conditioning system, leading to longer cooling times or even damage to the system.
Mistake 1: Turning on the Air Conditioning Before Starting the Car
Many new drivers commonly make the mistake of turning on the car’s air conditioning immediately after getting in when the vehicle has been parked in the sun for an extended period without proper shielding. This can negatively impact the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system, as a car left in the sun for too long will have a significantly increased internal temperature. At this point, the cabin becomes the hottest area, making it difficult for the air conditioning to cool down the space effectively, which can overload the fan and the battery.
Instead, you should start the car and let it run for about 5 minutes before turning on the air conditioning. Open the car windows to allow the hot air inside to escape. Finally, turn on the air conditioning system; this process will help the air conditioning cool the car more quickly and prevent stress on the vehicle’s cooling components.
Mistake 2: Turning on the Air Conditioning with the Windows Open
Turning on the air conditioning and opening the windows does not cool the car more as many people think.
Many car owners mistakenly believe that turning on the air conditioning while opening the windows can cool the interior more effectively. In reality, this method makes the air conditioning system work less efficiently. So how can you expel the hot air from the car?
You need to open the car windows and turn on the fan mode to blow out some of the hot air for a few minutes. After that, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning; at this point, the air conditioning system will cool the car more quickly and deeply.
Mistake 3: Setting the Air Conditioning to the Lowest Temperature and Blasting it Directly at Your Face
Setting the air conditioning to the coldest level combined with high fan speed may provide immediate cooling. However, this will cause the cooling unit to operate beyond its capacity, which can easily damage components.
Additionally, directing the cold air at your face can harm your health. This can lead to sinus issues and increase the risk of thermal shock.
You should gradually lower the cooling temperature and adjust the air direction to blow towards the windshield to avoid condensation on the windows.
In addition to avoiding these three mistakes, car owners should have their air conditioning systems regularly serviced and cleaned to ensure optimal performance, extend the system’s lifespan, and promptly detect any issues that may need repair.
