Beat the Heat: Your Guide to Using Car AC in Summer

Anh Tuan, a seasoned Isuzu truck driver in Ha Dong, was known for meticulously maintaining his vehicle. Yet, last summer, overlooking the intense heat led to a nearly 10 million VND repair bill for his AC. He’d skipped routine maintenance and habitually blasted the AC full blast upon entering his truck, overloading the cooling system.

Anh Tuan’s experience underscores the importance of proper car AC usage, especially during scorching summer days. How can you stay cool while protecting your vehicle? Let Xe Tai Ha Noi guide you with these essential tips.

Car AC Use in Summer: Essential Tips

1. Don’t Immediately Turn on the AC

Many people instinctively switch on the AC the moment they get in the car, especially after it’s been parked in the sun. However, this is detrimental. Interior temperatures can soar to 50-60°C (122-140°F), significantly higher than outside. Immediately blasting the AC shocks the cooling system, reducing its lifespan and increasing the risk of damage.

Expert Advice: Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, an engineer at Nam Phong Auto Repair in Cau Giay, Hanoi, advises: “To protect your car’s AC, open the doors for 2-3 minutes to release hot air before starting the engine. Then, run the fan at high speed for a few minutes to circulate air before turning on the AC and adjusting the temperature.”

2. Set the Right Temperature

The ideal car temperature in summer is between 22-25°C (72-77°F). Lower temperatures force the AC to run continuously at full power, consuming more fuel and leading to unnecessary waste. Furthermore, a significant temperature difference between inside and outside can affect your health, especially for children and the elderly.

3. Use Recirculation Mode Wisely

Recirculation mode cools the car faster, but prolonged use leads to stale air and reduced oxygen, causing discomfort and fatigue. Alternate between recirculation and fresh air intake to ensure proper ventilation.

4. Schedule Regular AC Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for identifying and addressing potential issues, ensuring optimal performance, and extending the lifespan of your AC system. Experts recommend servicing your AC at least every 6 months or every 10,000 kilometers.

Suggestion: Visit reputable garages in Hanoi like Truong Chinh Auto Repair, My Dinh Auto Repair, or Long Bien Auto Repair for AC inspection and maintenance.

Isuzu truck in Ha Dong

Car AC Service Price List

Summer Car AC Usage Precautions

• Avoid smoking in the car with the AC on, as smoke residue clings to the evaporator, causing unpleasant odors and health issues.
• Minimize opening doors while the AC is running to maintain cooling efficiency and save fuel.
• Keep children away from the AC unit to prevent accidental damage.