Auto air conditioning is one of the most popular fittings in modern vehicles, allowing you to remain cool and comfy in your car even in the hottest summer months. However, hotter weather doesn't necessarily mean that you have to strain your AC more. There are many simple steps that you can take this summer to lessen the load on your auto air conditioning and ensure it works efficiently for longer. Read on for tips that will likely pay dividends in maintaining your car air conditioning system and ensure that your car stays refreshingly cool all summer. 

Keep the cool air in and the hot air out

A simple way to lessen the load on your auto AC is to keep your windows closed during hot, humid days so as to restrict the loss of conditioned air. Leaving the windows open with the AC on may seem like a good way to cool your car interior, but it can actually lead to your AC working harder and utilizing more coolant and fuel. 

Once you turn off the AC and step out of the car, be sure to leave a window or two cracked so as to lessen heat buildup inside the car. If you are uncomfortable with leaving your windows open, try to throw open your doors and roll down your windows for a few minutes before you get back inside to ensure the AC won't have to remove too much heat buildup.

When driving in stop-and-go traffic, you can save on fuel and reduce the strain on your car's AC by killing the air conditioning and rolling down your windows to let in cool air. However, be sure to close your windows to reduce wind drag on your car while travelling at highway speeds and crank up the AC instead. 

Run and vacuum your air conditioning

A good way to keep your auto AC in tip-top shape is to run it routinely to ensure it doesn't develop any mechanical problems. Set the temperature to its lowest setting and let the AC run for a few minutes to exert the compressor and ensure it remains functional.

Additionally, make it a habit to run the defrost setting each week so as to eliminate dampness in the AC and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Finally, run a vacuum over the AC regularly to suck up dust and other debris that could be trapped in the air filters and compressor. With these steps, you can keep your air conditioning fresher by removing debris and foul smells that could affect the enjoyment of your time on the road. Talk to a shop, like Modern Auto Air, for more help.