With the arrival of heat and with high fuel prices, it is important to find the balance to cool the car without causing consumption to skyrocket
During this time of year, many kilometers and hours are spent inside the car, so it is important to ensure that the vehicle’s climate control system is working properly. With current fuel prices, which can be above 2 euros per liter, it is important to achieve good air conditioning, and try at the same time that the car’s consumption does not skyrocket.
It is true that both the air conditioning and the automatic climate control require the engine to make a greater effort, that necessary for a compressor to work. And this “extra” effort also means greater consumption.
This “overexertion” represents an average of 6% more in fuel consumption, although this figure can be reduced to 2 or 4% if we have an automatic climate control. Some estimated figures, since it will also depend on what our vehicle is, its age, and our driving style.
Air conditioning makes us travel with a higher level of comfort, which also results in greater safety. A high temperature inside our car can also cause drowsiness and increase the risk of having an accident. According to some studies, a driver who travels with a temperature of about 35ºC has reflexes similar to those he would have after drinking a couple of beers.
In theory, driving with the windows open will reduce the car’s consumption. But only in theory and under certain circumstances: If we drive below 70 km/h. This is because with the windows open, the air resistance of our car causes us to consume more energy. The vehicle is more aerodynamic with the windows closed than with them open. At more than 70 km per hour, the increase in consumption may be slightly less than or similar to that of having the air conditioning connected.
In order for fuel consumption to be as low as possible, it is best that this air conditioner maintain a temperature in our car between 20 and 23 degrees.
In addition to this first recommendation, from
Oscar They offer us 5 key tips to efficiently use the car’s air conditioning during the holidays and avoid the heat when traveling:
Before driving off again: although it may seem obvious, trying to park in the shade is quintessential “the trick” to prevent the vehicle from reaching high temperatures. It is true that, in summer, whether on the beach or in the city, it is not always possible. A solution that helps lower the temperature inside the vehicle by up to 10º is to open the doors with the air conditioning running at low power. In this way, the cooling process is accelerated without resulting in higher energy consumption, saving up to 20% in vehicle consumption.
The first kilometers without the air at full capacity: having already started the march, we will put the air conditioning at a medium level with the windows lowered until we pick up speed, at which time the air conditioning revolutions can be raised and increased.
Direct the ventilation upwards: cold air weighs more than hot air, so focusing the grilles towards the ceiling will cool the interior of the vehicle faster and favor air circulation.
Never less than 22 degrees: it is advisable to keep the temperature between 22º and 23º and without directing it towards the face or neck, but rather towards the ceiling. In summer, we tend to put the air conditioning at very low temperatures in order to escape the heat as soon as possible, something that can be detrimental to our health. In fact, the great temperature contrasts cause unexpected colds that can endanger the rest of the vacation.
For long journeys, air recirculation is better: once the ideal temperature has been reached, and especially for long journeys, it is best to use the “air recirculation” functionality to take advantage of the cold air inside the passenger compartment and ensure that everyone passengers, even those in the back of the vehicle, enjoy a comfortable temperature throughout the journey. In addition, in this way we will avoid excessive use of the refrigeration system and protect the compressor against potential breakdowns.
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