Four Tips to Beat the Heat this Summer

AC

How is your AC doing? This past week Seattle and other cities across Western Washington saw record-high heat. We hope that during this heat wave you’ve found ways to keep you and your family cool and hydrated. Now that summer is most definitely upon us, now is the time to prepare for any more potential heat waves.

Air conditioning is key to keeping cool on these hot days. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your AC and keep cool this summer.

Four Tips To Remember

#1: Aim for Airflow

When you first get into your car it can be tempting to air the AC directly at yourself to try and cool down from the sweltering heat. While this provides immediate relief, it keeps cold air from being circulated throughout the rest of the car. Our tip? Next time you get in your car, aim your vents upward for the first few minutes. This encourages airflow and keeps hot, stagnant air from keeping your cabin hot.

#2: Keep an Eye on Fluid Levels

If your coolant levels are low then there’s no way you’ll be able to keep your car cool with the AC. Next time you’re at Superior Auto Service, let us top off your coolant for you! Another tip is to keep extra coolant with you at all times. This can help tremendously, especially if you find yourself in a pinch with low coolant levels and rises heat on the road.

#3: Check Your Air Filter

This is an often overlooked but easy way to make sure your air conditioning is working at max capacity. When air isn’t being filtered effectively due to a dirty filter its ability to circulate properly is also impeded. This can also change how effective your AC unit is in distributing cool air. Checking your air filter doesn’t just improve your air quality, it can help keep you cooler too.

Auto mechanic in red uniform holding new and used air filter standing at the car service

#4: Let Your Car Air Out

This one is tricky depending on how much time you have to spare, but if you have a few minutes it can make a world of difference. If you’re able to, take a few minutes before you start your ride to let your car air out. Open the doors and windows and allow the hot, stale air that’s been trapped inside to filter out. This lets fresh air into your cabin and keeps your AC unit from recycling the same hot, stagnant air that was previously there.

Auto Repair Shop in Seattle

Bonus:

Okay, we said four, but here’s one more that’s pretty obvious but also effective. Keeping a window cracked when you’re away from your vehicle can let some of that hot air escape. This helps keep your car cooler and helps slightly with air circulation before you even unlock it!

If you need to fluids topped off or maintenance done, come to Superior Auto Service! Our friendly, trained technicians will take care of you and your vehicle and get you back on the road in no time!

Give Us a Call When You Are Unsure Of What to Do!

It’s never a bad idea to just have someone who is an expert in the field of mechanics take a look at your vehicle. Your vehicle is a prized possession and you want to take care of it! Plus, you don’t want to find yourself on the first sweltering day with no working AC and a long drive ahead for you, your kids, pets or any other members of your family.