Drivers are 'adding to their fuel bill' by using car's air con 'wrong' - Daily Record

Drivers are 'adding to their fuel bill' by using car's air con 'wrong'Amid the warm weather, motorists have been warned they're using their car's air conditioning 'all wrong'. Experts say

incorrect use of the air con system could be adding to your fuel billLifestyleSamantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News15:06, 20 May 2025This article contains affiliate links, we will

receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreYou might be putting up your car's fuel bill with your air con use (stock image)(Image: undefined via Getty Images) Motorists

have been cautioned over the misuse of their vehicle's air conditioning systems amid the warm weather, with experts saying it could be adding to your fuel bill. Some people have been

seeking advice online on how to use car air con systems effectively, but now you need to wonder no more, as the motoring gurus as LeaseLoco.com have shared the answers.

They advise that using air con on short drives is unproductive and have issued six essential tips for more efficient use. Turning on the air conditioning for brief commutes can hike fuel

consumption by up to 10% - largely due to the system needing time to lower the temperature before dispensing chilled air. The initial temperatures inside cars that have been parked in direct

sunlight render the cooling process even lengthier.

For shorter trips where speeds don't exceed 40mph, industry specialists suggest simply lowering the windows as the most fuel-efficient cooling method.

Nevertheless, driving at speeds higher than 40mph with windows down leads to increased aerodynamic drag, requiring more power.

LeaseLoco's CEO John Wilmot remarks: "When you turn the AC on in your car it can take a while for the system to get going because it needs to make the refrigerant cold. This is the fluid

that is used to cool the air.

"Once the fluid is cool, it's then blown through the vents to cool the car down but replacing all of that warm air can take some time. It can take even longer if your car has been parked in

the sun previously.

"This makes your car hotter and means the air conditioning has to work even harder in cooling the car down which is why it's best to park in the shade or use sunshades."

He further advised: "If you're on a short journey and you're driving under 40mph, you're actually better off just opening the window to cool down rather than waiting for the air con to kick

in. It'll be much more efficient and you won't be using any more fuel.

"If you're driving in an area that exceeds 40mph then you'll want to switch to using air conditioning. Driving at higher speeds with your windows open can create a drag which will make your

engine work much harder and will ultimately cause your car to use more fuel."

6 ways you can use your air conditioning efficiently Ventilate the car first

Before cranking up the air con, if your vehicle has been sitting in the sun and feels like a sauna, lower the windows briefly to expel the hot air. This step can swiftly bring down the

temperature inside, easing the initial load on your air conditioning system.

Get moving

To get the most out of your air con, start the engine and drive for a bit to allow the system to begin operating effectively.

Hit the recirculation button

Press the recirculation button in your motor whilst the air con is on, and you'll find your car reusing the cool air already inside, rather than constantly drawing in new, hot air from

outside.

Don't crank it up to maximum straight away

When you're feeling uncomfortably warm, it's tempting to whack up the air con to full power in an attempt to cool down quickly. However, this method is actually less efficient.

Instead, start with the aircon on a medium setting and gradually increase it as needed.

Keep the windows shut

If you're driving with the air con on, it's vital to keep your windows closed. Leaving them open allows the cool air to escape, reducing the effectiveness of your air con and causing your

car to consume more fuel.

Park in the shade when possible

Article continues below Whenever possible, aim to park your motor in a shaded area rather than directly under the sun. This helps to maintain a cooler temperature inside your car, meaning

that your air con has less work to do when you start your journey.

If your driveway is typically sunny, consider using a sunshade for your car.