Five easy things you can do to keep your car cooler this summer

It can be overwhelming, especially in modern cars, with all manner of buttons and features to know what everything does. But, optimising your air conditioning shouldn't be rocket science.

shared some useful tips to help drivers beat the heat this summer. When you first start your car, the air inside it might be very hot.

To help cool it down faster, turn on your air conditioner and blast the fan on high for a few minutes to help circulate the cool air throughout your car and make you feel more comfortable faster.

Once you've blasted the fan for a few minutes, you can turn down the fan speed and adjust the temperature to your desired level. This will help your air conditioner work more efficiently and keep you feeling cool all summer long.

One way to speed up the cooling process is to use the recirculation mode, which will close off the outside air intake and recirculate the cool air that's already inside your car, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Using the recirculation mode can help your air conditioner work more efficiently and cool down your car faster. However, it's important to remember to switch back to fresh air mode after a few minutes to prevent the air inside your car from becoming stale.

Keep on top of car maintenance:

Regular servicing is crucial to ensure your car's air conditioner functions optimally, and this can be performed by a professional. conducted by a trained technician who can recommend measures to enhance performance. .

Over time, your car's cabin air filter can accumulate dirt, impeding airflow and making it more difficult for your air conditioner to cool the interior of your car. To avoid this, it's vital to clean or replace your cabin air filter regularly.

The frequency with which you need to clean or replace your cabin air filter will depend on your driving habits and the environment in which you drive. However, as a general guideline, you should inspect your air filter at least once a year and replace it if it's dirty or blocked.

Planning ahead and finding some cover can also help:

Sometimes, careful planning can allow your car to cool down quicker. If possible, park in a shaded area as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause your car interior to heat up significantly, making it harder for the air conditioner to start cooling quickly.

If a shaded parking spot isn't available, you can use a windshield shade to prevent the sun from shining directly into your car. This will help maintain a lower temperature and make it easier for your air conditioner to cool your car.

Why isn't my air conditioner getting cold?

If your unit isn't cooling down after implementing these tips, there could be a problem hindering its operation. Common causes can include:

• Low refrigerant: There could be a leak in the system that may need repairing.
• Poor compression: This is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system. If the compressor is not working properly, your air conditioner may not cool the air effectively.
• Condenser issues: The condenser is responsible for removing heat from the refrigerant. If the condenser is not working properly, your air conditioner may not cool the air effectively.

Take your vehicle to a mechanic or air conditioning expert to identify the issue. They can diagnose the problem and suggest any required repairs.