Contrary to popular belief, the summertime is actually a time when your fuel economy may increase. Since the warmer weather causes your engine to warm up quicker to an efficient temperature, your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to get where it needs to be.
Unfortunately, summertime also calls for windows being rolled down and air conditioning blasting, which could ultimately lower your fuel economy if you’re not careful.
Take a look at these steps to improve fuel economy in hot weather from our friends at the U.S. Department of Energy:
- Roll the windows down while traveling at lower speeds; use the AC at highway speeds.
- Don’t use the AC more than needed or set the temperature lower than needed.
- Park in the shade or use a sunshade so that the cabin doesn’t get as hot.
- Drive with the windows open for a short time before using the AC. Letting hot air out of the cabin first will put less demand on the AC and help your vehicle cool faster.
- Don’t idle with the AC running before driving. Turn the AC on after you begin to drive or after airing out the cabin briefly. Most AC systems will cool the vehicle faster while driving.
- Read your owner’s manual. Most manuals explain how the AC system controls work and how to best use and maintain the AC system.4
- For plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, pre-cooling the cabin while plugged into the charger can extend your vehicle’s range. Also, using a warmer temperature setting for the AC will use less battery power.
For more summer fuel economy tips, contact our Service Department to schedule an appointment to confirm that there is nothing else you can do to ensure better fuel economy.
Prince Frederick Ford 