Stay Cool This Summer: 10 Smart Ways to Make Your Car’s AC Work Better

As temperatures rise and summer heatwaves roll in, your car’s air conditioner becomes more essential than ever. But if your AC doesn’t seem to cool like it used to, there’s good news — a few simple steps can make a big difference in performance. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or heading out on a long drive, these practical tips will help your car cool down faster and run more efficiently.

1. Vent the hot air before switching on the AC

Start by rolling down the windows and running the fan for a minute or two. This releases the trapped hot air, allowing your AC to cool the cabin more effectively once it’s turned on.

2. Park smart: seek shade

Avoid parking under direct sunlight when possible. Use shaded spots, garages, or sunshades to keep the interior temperature lower and reduce the load on your AC.

3. Use recirculation mode

Once your AC is running, switch to the recirculation setting. It cools the already-conditioned cabin air instead of constantly pulling in hot air from outside.

4. Turn off auto start/stop

In cars with auto start/stop technology, the engine — and the AC — can pause while idling. Disabling this feature in summer helps maintain continuous cooling.

5. Use automatic climate control

If your car has this feature, set the temperature around 24°C and let the system adjust fan speed and cooling automatically for efficient comfort.

6. Clean the AC condenser regularly

A dirty condenser can’t release heat properly. Make sure it’s cleaned during routine servicing to keep your AC working at peak performance.

7. Schedule regular AC maintenance

Leaks, low refrigerant, or clogged filters can all reduce cooling power. Get your AC system checked periodically to prevent bigger issues and keep the air fresh.

8. Seal windows and doors tightly

Even minor gaps can let cool air escape. Ensure windows and doors are fully closed to prevent overworking the AC and wasting fuel.

9. Maintain clean air filters

A blocked cabin air filter limits airflow. Check and replace or clean it every few months to help your AC work efficiently.

10. Avoid extreme cold settings

Setting the temperature too low may feel refreshing but uses more fuel. Experts recommend keeping it at 24°C for a good balance of comfort and efficiency.

With these easy habits and routine care, your car’s AC will cool faster, run more efficiently, and save fuel — making summer driving a lot more pleasant.

Stay cool. Drive smart.