Unsurprisingly, the hotter it gets, the harder the air conditioning has to work to maintain a comfortable temperature. But what’s less well known is that this extra effort can put pressure on other parts of the vehicle, such as the radiator or the ventilation system. In the city or on hills, this can quickly become a mechanical headache.
For hybrid or electric vehicles, the situation is a little different. These models generally see their range decrease by 10 to 15% when the air conditioning is used, because it draws directly from the battery. However, they manage heat better than cold, according to experts. Therefore, it’s in winter that electric car drivers will need to be extra vigilant.
Our tips for staying cool… without air conditioning
But there’s no point in cooking on the road! Here are some simple but effective ideas to keep your car cooler, even without air conditioning:
- Ventilate upon opening : Before starting, open all the doors or lower the windows for a few minutes to release the hot air.
- Favor shaded parking areas : A shady spot or a sunshade can make a real difference.
- Dress your seats : Covers made of breathable fabric (linen or cotton) will prevent the “furnace” effect on the thighs.
- Ride early or late : If you have a choice, avoid the hottest hours ( 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. ).
- Drink cold : Bring a bottle of cold water to stay hydrated without having to turn up the air conditioning.
Sometimes the best solution is simply to ease off… on the ventilation!
