For experts, it is clear that climate change will cause an increase in heat waves, such as the one that in the first 17 days of this month raised the thermometer record to the highest average of the last 22 years. In social networks, the number of publications of drivers with photos documenting unusual temperatures in the car, so you must be prepared to face the next heat wave in the best possible way.

As it is very likely that the average maximum air temperature of 40 degrees Celsius will be repeated on July 13 (the fifth hottest day of the last 23 years in mainland Portugal), it is important to remember that Cooling down the temperature inside the vehicle isn’t just a comfort whim: it’s also a safety measure..

A survey carried out by Seat in 2018 highlighted the danger of driving in high temperatures. One of the engineers from the Spanish manufacturer’s Technical Center mentioned, at the time, that having the steering wheel at 35ºC inside the car is very different from driving with 25ºC on board. Reaction time is 20% slower, this delay being equivalent to the response delay of someone driving under the influence of alcohol.with a blood alcohol level of around 0.5 g/l.

Driving with 35ºC in the car is like driving drunk

It happens that on the hottest days, in an effort to quickly lower the temperature on board, many drivers make the mistake of turning the vehicle’s air conditioning to maximum or pointing it at their faces. It may even seem that, by doing so, the cooldown is more immediate, but it is not. There are “tricks” to make the most of the weather, using it more effectively. And the first – almost the golden rule – is to resist the temptation to turn it on as soon as we get into the car. This gesture will only worsen our situation, since the air that will flood the cabin will be very hot.

The Japanese trick that makes sense around the world

The trick shared by a citizen of Japan who promises to refresh the interior of the car at a glance went viral on the networks. It doesn’t require great skills, but it won’t work as a magical cooling potion either, as it simply replicates the effect of a fan, “pushing” hot air out of the car. For such, you must first open a window and then repeatedly open and close the door on the opposite side to expel the heat. This procedure can be carried out for a minute or so, being more effective than opening all the doors and windows of the car and waiting a while, before getting in the vehicle and turning on the air conditioning, as is usually advised. However, once on board, air conditioning is the best ally for a more comfortable and safe trip.

Starting the engine and cranking it helps to cool

After the ventilation phase, essential although it may seem like an endurance test when we are at the mercy of a scorching sun, it is a mistake to stay still inside the car with the air conditioning set to maximum. To cool the cabin more quickly, the ideal is to start the engine and not wait for the air conditioning to lower the interior temperature before starting the march.. For two reasons: first, because you will be wasting fuel; second, because with the engine running, the air conditioning compressor turns faster, optimizing system performance. In this way, faster cooling is achieved. Thus, the first few meters can still be done with an open window, to continue ventilating, but As soon as you start to feel cold air coming out of the vents, close the windows.

Slow turns out to be faster

In some countries, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 60ºC, hence the tragedies that sometimes happen to children or animals that are “forgotten” inside the car, with the windows closed. Contrary to what would be supposed, such high temperatures do not require drastic measures, but rather some calm. This means that, for those who have a conventional air conditioning system, it is better gradually adjust the temperature on board.

Rely on automatic and turn off recirculation

The most recent models, equipped with the Auto function, simplify the driver’s life, since the system only manages the best way to reach and maintain the selected temperature. And the ideal thing so that the driver does not see his ability to react at the wheel diminished, according to experts, is to circulate with a mild 21.5ºC, a pleasant temperature both in winter and in summer.

Activate Auto and ask as soon as the interior temperature is around 16.ºC, when the ideal is to regulate it at 20/21.ºC, it is not the most intelligent measure, since the air recirculation is not recommended. It is best to rely on automatic settings. to get the temperature you want to travel to faster. It is important to remember that even with Auto on, sometimes we just can’t resist increasing the ventilation intensity. Turns out, by doing so, we disable the automatic function and we go to manual temperature control, whose effectiveness is a few holes below Auto.

Forget the wind in your face

On hot days, it tastes so good! the problem is that it’s a waste – unless you just want to feel a refreshing breeze on your face. But if the idea is to distribute the cold air as quickly as possible throughout the cabin, nothing like directing the slats of the air outlets upwards. If they are oriented towards the ceiling, the distribution of cold air is more uniform and efficient.

Without the basics, the accessory does not work as well

To get the most out of your car’s air conditioning, don’t forget one elementary rule. Scheduled maintenance is a must, i.e. like checking the oil or changing the tyres. In the case of air conditioning, a “revision” is recommended every two years or 20,000 kilometers. It should also be noted that air conditioning filters are not a very expensive consumable and must be replaced regularly to improve air quality on board.

In the shade whenever possible. and with umbrella

Finally, two variables that have nothing to do with the air conditioning, but that facilitate the task of air conditioning or free the driver from a few more drops of sweat and, in turn, minimize the possibility of those embarrassing sweat stains appearing on the clothing. Whenever possible, park in the shade, since this gift allows the interior of the vehicle not to heat up so much, which ends up speeding up the air conditioning task. But, when there is no shade in sight, nothing like enlisting the help of an umbrella achieve a temperature on board within tolerable limits. At the very least, we guarantee you won’t blurt out as many yeses or yeses when skin comes into contact with seat upholstery or you have to put a box on a metal crowbar.

A couple of tips plus two warning signs

Do you want your car’s air conditioning to not fail, when will you need it most? After, use it even if you think it is not necessary. To prevent corrosion by removing accumulated water from the filter, the air conditioner should run at least 20 minutes a month.

The other advice has to do with the end of the trip. She came home “fresh” and turns off the car with the air conditioning still on. It is practical, but it is not very good for the health of the equipment, whose compressor may be affected and may require some attention (accompanied by the respective invoice).

Otherwise, pay attention to what your car’s air conditioning tells you. If the form of expression is a unpleasant odor, it may be complaining about a clog or asking for cleaning (this “recipe” also applies when airflow slows down). You get in the car and for no apparent reason, the windshield is fogged upConsider a leak in the cooling system.