YOU SHOULD TURN YOUR CAR AIR CONDITIONER OFF WHEN CLIMBING A BIG HILL

Maybe you came around a corner and there it is, or you have seen it in the distance for some time – either way, the steep incline is upon you!

Because you should switch your car air conditioner off when climbing a hill, right?

It’s stating the obvious to that running your vehicles air conditioner whilst climbing up a hill will make the engine work harder. A steep Summer climb with no air conditioner may see you passenger- less for the next road-trip, so we’re going to explore this myth further.

 Whilst it's true that older cars are prone to overheating, the cooling systems (both the engine cooling systems and the air conditioner) of modern vehicles are designed to work in all but the most extreme conditions. Thanks to technology, some vehicles even have built in electronic controllers to reduce the stroke on a variable compressor and reduce the power drain on the engine.

Take an XD Falcon dating back to the 70’s, with a twin-piston York compressor, or a HX Holden with a Delco A6 compressor, the load on the engine, with the engine fan working overtime to keep the engine cool, the drain on the engine and extra head added to the radiator from the condenser was massive. In modern vehicles things are extremely different. Smaller engines are driving more power and this issue is hardly noticed by most.

If you are still concerned about engine wear and tear – skip the switch flipping and ease up on the gas pedal. Slowing down remains the easiest way to reduce heat and therefore the load on the engine and mean you can keep cool as you go!

If the car is relatively new and overheating with the air conditioner turned on, a blocked radiator/condenser or failing air conditioner compressor may be to blame. 

Highgate Air is here to help, and we are sure there will be plenty of stories this summer! With a huge range of parts in stock and overnight national delivery, we can help keep your customers cars moving.

We are looking forward to a busy summer helping you with all your automotive air conditioning needs. 

 

Have ideas for future myths that we could bust? Reach out today on online@highgateair.com.au