At what temperature should the air conditioning in the car be kept in the summer? Is AC dangerous for drivers?

For many drivers, the air conditioning in the car is probably their best friend during the summer. But what is the ideal temperature at which the AC should be kept in the summer and under what conditions is the air conditioning dangerous for drivers or passengers.

Air conditioning has become an essential feature for most cars given the hot season temperatures.

There are still car manufacturers that offer the AC function as an option, but almost all modern vehicles have air conditioning as standard equipment.

At what temperature should the air conditioning in the car be kept in the summer?

The air conditioning in the car provides increased comfort for the driver and passengers. But, you have to be careful about excessive temperature differences.

Because when it’s hot outside, i.e. temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius, many will be tempted to set the AC to the lowest value, i.e. 18°C ​​or even lower. But, the AC temperature must be adjusted so that thermal shock does not occur.

In case of physical inactivity, the ideal temperature that should be set at the air conditioner is 21°C. But this recommendation only applies when you take long car trips. If you frequently get in and out of the vehicle, the temperature of the air conditioner must be adjusted instead.

When outside temperatures are high, the AC should also be set to a higher temperature.

Thus, the temperature at which the air conditioning in the car must be kept, in the summer, should be approximately 10°C lower than it is outside. So if it’s 35°C outside, the AC should be set to 25°C.

If the car does not have air conditioning, then you can visually adjust the temperature. Thus, from the console, the wheel must be positioned halfway between cold and hot. In general, the minimum temperature is 18°C ​​and the maximum is 32°C. Which means that, halfway through, the temperature will be 25 degrees Celsius.

Some drivers will probably have the impression that the car is blowing hot air, but this is a precautionary measure to avoid thermal shock.

Is AC dangerous for drivers?

Air conditioning is not dangerous for drivers or passengers. On the contrary, it provides the necessary compliance to safely drive the car when it’s hot outside.

But, the sudden transition from a very cool environment to intense heat can cause dizziness and discomfort. This is thermal shock. That is why it is recommended to adapt the temperature of the air conditioner in the car to the outside temperature.

In addition, it is important that air filters are constantly replaced to avoid clogging. Dust particles and impurities captured by the filters can end up in the passenger compartment, if the filter is not changed in time.