According to the United States Department of Energy, summer has certain positive effects on the operation of cars: it improves aerodynamics and helps the engine reach ideal temperatures much faster than in winter. This allows gasoline to perform more and directly influences savings, something very necessary with the sudden increase in gasoline prices . However, this can change radically when the temperatures are really high and we are trying at all costs to appease the heat. In the midst of these circumstances there are only two alternatives: turn on the air conditioning or keep it off and lower the windows to circulate the air. What many people don’t know is that both alternatives hurt gas mileage. That is why the Department of Energy has provided some recommendations for driving during the summer and saving gas at the same time :
1. When driving at low speed, lower the windows, but at higher speeds, it will be necessary to turn on the air conditioning to improve the aerodynamics of the car.
2. If the vehicle is electric or a plug-in hybrid, it is best to turn on the air conditioning when it is charging to heat the cabin. Later, when the car is used, it will be time to adjust the system to a medium temperature to maintain the one that has already been reached and, at the same time, not decrease the range of the battery.
3. Parking in places that are covered so that the shade keeps the cabin at a comfortable temperature.
4. Do constant maintenance of the air conditioning and stay informed of how it really works, since in each car this system is usually different.
5. Before turning on the air conditioning, drive with the windows down to stabilize the cabin temperature. This will leave the interior of the car ready to cool down quickly.
6. Turn on the air conditioning after driving for a certain period of time and not when starting the car. Normally, this system is much more efficient when the engine has been running.
According to the Department of Energy, air conditioning in cars can reduce energy savings. gasoline by 25%. Therefore, when it is summer, it is better in situations of extreme need. It will also be very convenient not to take it to the extreme of its cooling capacity. In hot weather, this type of habit ends up being detrimental to the air conditioning system because it causes it to struggle with very high temperatures. Leaving it in a moderate setting will guarantee its good operation and also the fuel efficiency we are looking for.
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