What are the advantages of air conditioning in your car

The UK isn’t well known for its tropical heatwaves. We may enjoy relatively warm summers but the temperature gauge rarely gets close to 30 degrees.

So why bother with air conditioning?

Once upon a time air conditioning was regarded as a luxury rather than a necessity. Yet now the majority of new cars have air conditioning fitted as standard. A lot of this is down to people’s ever-increasing expectations – if you’re spending thousands on a new vehicle, you’re going to want as many mod cons as possible. And you may be surprised at just how many benefits air conditioning in your car provides.

A cooler, more comfortable driving experience

Yes it’s obvious, but with air conditioning you can reduce the temperature in your car without having to open the windows. Driving slowly through town with the windows down is fun but we don’t recommend trying it on a motorway. You’ll end up being buffeted about by what feels like gale force winds, and there’s no chance of hearing the radio or your passengers (although if you have children, this isn’t necessarily the worst thing!)

Better air condition

It’s called air conditioning because that’s exactly what it does – conditions the air. This means that excess moisture is removed from the air, which is exactly what you want on hot, muggy days.

De-misted windscreen

It is vital that you are able to see through your windscreen and other glass – a film of mist is going to seriously impair your vision. You can use the AC button to evaporate any moisture far quicker than it takes for your screen-heater to warm up.

This is particularly beneficial if you have a people carrier that is often filled with damp children (i.e. after football practice) as most air conditioning units can de-mist your windscreen, side glass and rear screen highly effectively.

A safer drive

Too many traffic accidents are caused by over-tiredness. Turning your air conditioning on will result in cleaner, fresher air. This in turn, helps to prevent drowsiness, meaning you are able to remain fresh and alert.

More fun in a traffic jam

Traffic jams and a hot day – without air conditioning, this is a pretty painful scenario, particularly if you’re stuck in the car with young children or if you’re dressed for business. Sweaty armpits, hot, irritable family members, exhaust fumes seeping in through the open window – they are a distant memory with AC.

A more aerodynamic car

With air conditioning, you can keep your windows closed, even on the hottest of days. This means that your vehicle’s aerodynamics are at optimum level, increasing the safety of you and your passengers and reducing exterior noise.

Contrary to what you may have heard, AC doesn’t waste huge amounts of fuel. No, it’s not particularly economical to use your air conditioning if you’re driving ten to fifteen minutes at a time in a built up area. But for longer journeys, AC will barely affect fuel consumption. In fact, using your air conditioning is likely to save you money if you were to otherwise open the car windows.

Keep up to date with your AC service

Remember that all cars will need an AC service by the time they are three to four years old. From then on, they need to be checked regularly to ensure that your air conditioning system remains efficient and germ-free.

M&BM Motors in Grays, Essex, can carry out a full air conditioning service from just £50, which includes a re-gas and disinfectant.

Simply call M&BM Motors on 01375 379 401 for more information and to book an appointment as the Grays garage.