Tips to Boost Car AC Efficiency for Summer 2025

Undoubtedly, one of the most vital systems in your vehicle is the air conditioning (AC) system, as it is meant to provide comfort during the scorching Indian summer of 2025. Be it sitting in traffic during mid-afternoon heat or cruising on the highway during a road trip, a properly functioning AC can be your best friend. With the further increase in temperature, your car’s AC may need to work harder to keep you comfortable. Efficiency directly correlates with maintenance, so it's important to know how to improve it. 

12 Tips to Improve Car AC Efficiency for Summer

Here are the most effective ways to improve your car's AC efficiency for a cooler and more comfortable drive in the summer heat.

1. Start the AC After Ventilating the Cabin

Give the AC a minute to ventilate the interior by rolling the windows down. This clever tactic will allow trapped hot air to escape. On the interior of your vehicle, the temperature can skyrocket if left parked under a hot sun. The cabin venting hot air for one or two minutes will significantly reduce the load on your car’s AC (which allows for an effortless and faster cool-down). If you make this a habit, your AC system will not only overcome a load in efficiency but also preserve strain. 

2. Use the Recirculation Mode

Activated recirculation is available in many modern car ACs. This option saves your AC system from straining by cooling already present air instead of hot outside air. This feature helps improve the fuel economy and cooling performance of your AC system by reducing the workload required to cool the air. During the summer peak afternoons, recirculation mode is even more useful.

3. Park in the Shade or Use Sunshades

Your vehicle’s AC performance is affected by where you park. Direct sunlight will heat your dashboard, seats, and steering wheel. Once you start the engine, the AC will struggle to lower the temperature. Look for shaded parking or use sunshades for the windshield, which blocks harsh sunlight. This protects the interior and minimizes the time spent cooling the cabin.

4. Regularly Replace the Cabin Air Filter

Your car’s AC system may struggle if your cabin air filter is dirty or clogged. This filter affects the airflow, causing uneven cooling and foul smells. For optimal performance, the cabin air filter should be checked and replaced regularly every 10,000 to 15,000 km. This simple action greatly improves the speed and effectiveness of airflow through your AC system.

5. Get Your AC System Serviced Periodically

Just like every other part of the vehicle, the AC system requires timely maintenance. This entails checking the amount of refrigerant, cleaning the condenser, looking for any leaks, and checking the compressor. Neglecting these checks can result in unexpected malfunctions and insufficient cooling when you need it the most. Always make sure to get a professional AC checkup at least once every year, ideally before summer starts.

6. Don’t Pre-Cool the Car While It’s Stationary

Another common mistake is turning on the AC while the car is still parked in order for it to cool down faster. The opposite is true. The AC system functions best when the vehicle is in motion, as the engine drives the compressor more efficiently at higher RPMs. It would be better to wait until you are driving to switch the AC for maximum efficiency. Otherwise, turning the AC on at idle will burn more fuel and cool less.

7. Maintain the Right Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant is an essential element of your AC system—coolant is often referred to as its lifeblood. If its level is low, the AC unit suffers through overworking while consuming additional energy and providing inadequate cooling simultaneously. In some instances, this will lead to compressor damage down the line. Be sure your mechanic checks the refrigerant levels at every major service. Regularly topped-off levels ensure efficient cooling during sweltering summer months.

8. Keep the Condenser Clean

The AC condenser is usually located at the front of the car and can get clogged with dirt, debris, or even leaves over time. A blocked condenser restricts airflow and hampers the heat exchange process, resulting in poor cooling. You can clean the condenser gently using a water hose or have it professionally cleaned during regular maintenance to keep the system running smoothly.

9. Check for Unusual Noises or Smells

If your AC is making strange noises, emitting a foul odor, or taking too long to cool, it's trying to tell you something’s wrong. These could be signs of a clogged filter, a malfunctioning compressor, or even mold buildup. Addressing these symptoms early can save you from more expensive repairs down the line and ensure optimal performance throughout the season.

10. Install Window Tints for Better Heat Insulation

Window tints aren’t just for style—they play a functional role in keeping your car cool. Quality tints reduce the amount of UV and infrared rays entering your car, lowering the cabin temperature naturally. This helps reduce the load on your AC and improves its overall efficiency. Make sure the tints you use are legal as per your local transport laws.

11. Keep the Fan Speed and Temperature Settings Balanced

Setting the AC temperature to the lowest and fan speed to the highest doesn't necessarily cool your car faster. Instead, it increases energy usage and can wear out the components quicker. It’s better to maintain moderate settings and let the system cool gradually and efficiently. Smart usage is key to longer-lasting cooling performance.

12. Turn Off the AC Before You Switch Off the Engine

Before turning off your car, switch off the AC a minute in advance. This allows the moisture in the system to dry up and prevents fungus or bacteria growth, which can lead to foul smells and reduced cooling efficiency over time. It’s a small habit that goes a long way in maintaining your AC’s health.

Stay Cool All Summer Long

Implementing these tips to boost car AC efficiency for summer 2025 will not only help you enjoy a cooler ride but also extend the lifespan of your AC components and improve fuel economy. With temperatures soaring higher each year, taking proactive steps to care for your car’s cooling system is more important than ever.

Trust Indus Motors for Professional Car AC Service in Kerala

As far as leading and renowned car care in Kerala, Indus Motors is the automobile dealership servicing its clients with absolute expertise as a Maruti dealer and service center. Having served clients for many years, Indus Motors is equipped with a number of service centers. That said, he will service your car's AC unit using specialized equipment and other genuine components. No matter if you need scheduled AC diagnostics, a refrigerant top-up, or a complete system overhaul, Indus Motors Services maintains its standards, which meet the expectations of car owners. Make every drive this summer a comfortable one.

Feel free to contact us for booking and a test drive of Maruti Suzuki cars.

Read to know: How to Increase the Car Mileage in 2025: Tips for Indian Drivers