Just an hour on a 26C day can send the temperature inside your vehicle over 50C so knowing how to bring it back down is vital, with thousands subject to heat-related health warnings today.
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Forecasters expect that Britain will bask in a 30C scorcher today – the hottest of the year so far.
Crowds are expected to flock to beaches, while the roads are likely to see a surge in traffic, especially with Glastonbury this weekend.
The UK Health Security Agency is urging Brits to take care in the heat, with all but the far North East covered by a yellow health warning.
With that in mind, experts from Consumer Reports have produced a simple, four-step method to boost your air con when out and about on the roads this summer.
Many might be tempted to just hop in the car and blast the fan up to full, but the team actually explained why that’s less effective and more costly.
There is an art to truly mastering the chill
Consumer Reports
First of all, start driving for a couple of minutes before turning on the AC as this can improve it’s power.
The experts said: “Your car air conditioning works much better when you’re actually driving because the faster the engine turns, the faster the AC compressor runs, which lets the system cool more effectively.
“Don’t waste time and fuel by letting your car run before you go.”
Once you’re up and running, open all the windows fully for between 10 and 20 seconds to let hot air out and make the air con’s job easier.
Not only does this keep you cool but, again, means it uses less fuel, saving your precious pennies.
Then, when cold air has started to come through the vent, roll up the front windows but keep the rear windows cracked open.
Doing this for another 10 to 20 seconds will pull the cooler air through into the back of the car, helping to achieve a better all-around chill.
Finally, set the temperature as low as it will go and adjust the fan speed and aim to your preference.
For an extra zip, you can use the recirculation button to maintain the cold with less effort, but on hot days make sure to turn it off now and again to prevent the air becoming stale, especially if you have passengers in the back.
How to keep cool in a heatwave
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS…
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
The team added: “Your car’s air conditioning system is going to get a workout trying to stave off the broiling effects of summer heat.
“Opening the windows may save a little fuel, but for true comfort, you want to turn on the air conditioning and let it lower the humidity.
“Anyone can simply pick the temperature setting.
“But there is an art to truly mastering the chill.”
It comes after the same experts revealed how switching off a feature found in most new cars could help improve your air con for free.
Meanwhile, another motors whizz shared how to get your blower to “shoot out ice-cold air” using nothing but an old scrap of fabric.