Maximize Your Car’s AC in the Texas Heat | Harlingen, TX
Let’s face it: It gets hot here in Harlingen, Texas, and it’s not going to get cooler any time soon. But we still have places to go, which means we have to leave the luxury of our air-conditioned homes and clamber into our hot cars.
That makes it crucial that we maximize the air conditioning systems in our vehicles, which are nowhere near as powerful as those in our homes. Here are some tips for making the most of the AC in your car, truck, or SUV.
Park Smart
Your AC has to work hard when the starting temp of your vehicle is well into the 90s or higher. By parking in a garage or under a carport at home, you reduce the starting interior temperature of your vehicle, which makes it easier for your AC to cool down the cabin. When on the go, park in the shade or a parking garage if possible, and invest in a visor and shades for your windshield and windows.
Skip the Precool
In the winter, it makes sense to heat the interior of your vehicle by starting it and letting it warm up before you brave the cold. But ACs are more efficient once the vehicle is moving and the engine is running, not just idling. That means precooling your vehicle won’t make a big difference and just wastes fuel.
Run Your AC on Low
Your vehicle’s AC has one temperature, so when you don’t have it on max cool, the AC is actually warming up air before sending it out. That is less efficient than just blasting the cold air. Instead, always keep it on max AC and just regulate the temperature by adjusting the fan speed.
Don’t Use Auto Start/Stop
If your vehicle includes auto start/stop, shut it off on hot days. While it is efficient for your vehicle, it turns off your air compressor every time you stop, which makes more work for the AC (and wears the compressor down faster).
If these tips still leave you sweltering in the heat, contact the service department at Bert Ogden Hyundai in Harlingen, Texas for AC service.