Many people wonder if turning the air conditioning on and off uses more fuel than keeping it constantly running at the same temperature. In summer, giving up air conditioning is difficult, especially during a heatwave. It’s 100% proven that air conditioning consumes fuel from our vehicle. However, not only does it consume fuel, it also causes engine wear when in use.
In this article, we will answer the question posed at the beginning and provide you with a basic guide to determine the best way to save on fuel consumption. In addition, at Ralarsa we will tell you about some of the services you can book at our automotive glass workshop, such as window tinting to improve your driving experience in these summer months.
Air conditioning and energy consumption
One common practice is to turn off the air conditioning once the optimal temperature has been reached in the car, and then turn it back on later. However, this does not actually save more fuel. On the contrary. At Ralarsa workshops we are fully aware of the impact of air conditioning on a car’s fuel consumption and if you turn it on and off repeatedly, the cost will be higher.
If the outside air is very hot and the inside of the car is also warm, the lower the temperature you want to reach, the harder the engine will have to work. All this translates into higher fuel consumption, which in the worst cases can increase between 5% and 20%. In addition, in certain situations, using the air conditioning can also affect the car’s performance.
How to make your air conditioning consume less?
At Ralarsa, we care about your safety and also about helping you avoid overspending. That’s why below we provide a series of essential tips you can follow to avoid excessive consumption.
Reduce the temperature inside the car
If the inside of your vehicle feels like an oven, your first instinct may be to turn on the air conditioning immediately. However, it’s recommended to first reduce the heat by lowering the windows and then turning on the AC afterwards. The hotter it is inside the car, the more fuel you will use.
If you can’t raise or lower the windows because your electric window mechanism is broken, you should replace it as soon as possible. Windows not only protect you from possible impacts, they also keep you safe from high temperatures. At Ralarsa we offer original replacement parts that perfectly fit each car model, so you can drive safely and solve the issue.
Maintain the air conditioning at an optimal temperature
The DGT recommends that the interior of the car be kept between 21 and 23 ºC. Maintaining a stable temperature ensures optimal driving and helps reduce consumption. That’s why more and more drivers are choosing window tinting.
Window tinting is perfect for saving fuel, as it reduces the need to use the air conditioning as often. At Ralarsa we have fully approved tinting films available in 20 different shades, so you can choose the ones that best suit your preferences and your vehicle.
Turn on the air conditioning only when driving
You should not use the air conditioning when the engine is off, as it will be more costly. Starting the car and turning on the AC both consume significant energy. It’s best to switch off the cooling system before turning off the car. Also, the air conditioning cools the cabin more quickly when the car is in motion.
Take care of the air filter
Finally, it’s important to replace the air filter when necessary. Normally, it’s recommended to replace it once a year, every 15,000 km, or whenever you notice the AC is not cooling properly. A dirty filter will not cool effectively and will also increase fuel consumption.
Turning the air conditioning on and off uses more fuel
At Ralarsa, we know it’s not about giving up air conditioning, but about knowing how to save fuel and learning to use it properly so it lasts longer. That’s why we invite you to try the tips we’ve explained, so you can start to notice the difference in your car.
Also, remember that if you need any of our featured services, or any others, feel free to request a quote and contact us through our website. Don’t let the heat win — drive comfortably with the right temperature. We look forward to seeing you at one of our workshops!
