Extreme heat: Keep your car cool and cut fuel consumption

Park strategically to limit heat buildup

During extreme heat episodes, leaving your car in the sun quickly transforms the cabin into an oven. The solution? Find shade. Anticipate the sun's movement to keep your vehicle protected for as long as possible.

The windshield is responsible for most of the heat buildup, acting like a greenhouse. Invest in a collapsible sunshade for the interior or cardboard for the exterior to significantly reduce temperature and avoid burning your hands on the steering wheel. Window sunshades for the side windows add extra protection.

Note: cracking windows open slightly is not enough to cool a vehicle effectively.

Use air conditioning intelligently

Most drivers turn the AC to full power the moment they get in the car. That's wasteful and increases fuel consumption unnecessarily.

Instead, follow these steps:

1. Release heat first: open the doors and move them back and forth several times

2. Drive with windows down for a few minutes to expel hot air

3. Then activate the air conditioner with air recirculation enabled — far more efficient

4. Turn off the AC a few minutes before journey's end to acclimate gradually

Keep the temperature difference between outside and inside at no more than 7°C. The larger the gap, the higher the fuel consumption — and with current pump prices in Morocco, every litre counts.

For electric vehicle owners: use the climate pre-conditioning feature via your app before departure. Perfect for a comfortable cabin without draining the battery while driving.

Service your air conditioning regularly

Often overlooked, air conditioning is a complex system that requires proper maintenance. Regular servicing extends its lifespan and keeps it performing efficiently.

Annually:

• System inspection
• Cabin air filter replacement

Every two years:

• Circuit cleaning and disinfection with antibacterial product
• Refrigerant recharge if needed

Warning signs: unpleasant odours, insufficient cooling, moisture in the cabin, persistent window condensation, or unusual fuel consumption spikes. Modern air conditioning, unlike 20 years ago, does not cause significant fuel consumption increases.

Tip: run your air conditioning regularly, at least twice a month, even in winter. It also helps demist windows quickly.

Source: caradisiac