Are you tired of the uncomfortable heat in your car, especially after leaving your car parked under the afternoon sun? In moments like this, you can’t help but wish for instant relief from your car’s air conditioning. For Malaysians, a car AC is not a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity, especially when you’re stuck in traffic jams during peak hours.
If you’re not keen on wasting fuel and air conditioning while stuck in traffic, fret not! You always have the option to take a breather and enjoy some fresh air at the nearest BHPetrol station. And the perks don’t stop there – with the BHPetrol eCard and BHPetrol eCard app., you can earn points and redeem exciting rewards whenever you shop or refuel at BHPetrol!
What’s even more exciting is the “Rewards” tab in the eCard app, where you’ll discover exclusive promotions for a variety of car-related services and products, ranging from engine oil to vouchers for air-conditioning service.
Now, without further delay, let’s dive into these 7 car air-con hacks designed to not only keep you cool but also enhance your driving efficiency. Let’s make your vehicle’s air conditioning system work smarter, not harder.
Hack 1: Pre-Cooling Technique
Photo Credits: pvproductions on Freepik
The pre-cooling technique is a simple yet effective hack to ensure a comfortable drive. Before hitting the road, roll down a few windows and turn on the fan to force out the hot air and allow cooler air to circulate. Once you feel the air has significantly cooled, roll up the windows and turn on the AC. This circulates the cooler air more effectively, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable temperature inside much quicker.
Hack 2: Proper Use of Recirculation Mode
Recirculation mode, also known as inside air mode, often symbolised by a circular arrow on the dashboard controls, allows your car to recycle the air inside the cabin rather than drawing in hot air from outside. By activating the recirculation mode, you reduce the workload on your AC system, as it cools the air already inside the cabin, maintaining the desired temperature set by the driver.
Hack 3: Park Your Car Strategically
Parking your car under the shade may seem like common sense, but many people often overlook this simple hack. When you’re about to leave your car, always aim for shaded spots or use a sunshade on your windshield to prevent excessive heat build-up.
Moreover, think about getting window tinting done, not just for privacy but also to keep out the intense heat during the peak sun hours. These small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your car cool and comfortable, even on the hottest days.
Hack 4: Cleaning & Servicing Your Air-Con System
Imagine yourself driving amid a traffic jam, the air swirling around your car carrying not just the urge to arrive home but also the not-so-pleasant scents of diesel exhaust from the vehicles around you. While switching the recirculation button might seem like a quick fix, the reality is that the contaminants continue to be present, even if your nose can’t detect them.
That’s where investing in the regular maintenance of your AC system comes in. By keeping it clean and serviced, you’re not just ensuring fresher air inside your car but also preserving its longevity. Regular cleaning of the AC system can prevent the accumulation of bacteria and mould, eliminating those unpleasant odours while maintaining optimal refrigerant levels for maximum cooling efficiency.
Hack 5: Prevent Fogged Windows During Rain
Rainy weather can quickly lead to fogged-up windows inside your car, impairing visibility and leading to a potentially hazardous driving experience. Thankfully, with this hack, you can easily get rid of this situation. When condensation on the windshield happens, turn on the AC to cool the air and the defogger to clear your rear windshield quickly. Switching off recirculation mode allows the AC to operate more effectively and helps remove humidity inside your car.
Hack 6: Use the Fan Before Turning On the AC
Want to extend the lifespan of your AC system and ease the strain on your engine? Here’s a simple yet effective tip: before firing up the air conditioning, run the fan for a minute or two. This straightforward step helps to expel any trapped hot air lingering in the vents, enabling the AC to kick in more efficiently with cooler air. Not only does this practice optimise the performance of your AC system, but it also serves as a preventive measure against potential mould buildup within the system.
Hack 7: Drive After a Long While
After your car has been idle for an extended period, it’s necessary to freshen the air inside your vehicle. Simply switch off the recirculation button to activate the outside air mode to flush out any stale odours that may have accumulated during its downtime. This not only enhances your driving experience but also promotes a healthier environment for you and your passengers. Additionally, if your vehicle is parked under the hot sun, the outside air mode also expels the heated air, allowing you to feel the cooling effects of your air conditioning system faster.
Say goodbye to sweaty drives and hello to refreshing, breezy journeys with these simple yet effective car air-conditioning hacks. And for a little extra care, don’t forget to check out the BHPetrol eCard app for exclusive deals on car maintenance from our trusted partners.
Happy driving!
