Ford's cooler driving skills

"In the hot city, in the summer of the city, the back of my neck became dirty and hard," The Lovin' Spoonful sang so famously. If you have a car with a black leather interior, you know you will feel hot the moment you sit down.

Just the other day, I went to the grocery store.

I can be a bit chatty in public.

I also never go to the grocery store with a list – I wander the aisles aimlessly.

By the time I come out, the interior of my Fusion Titanium rivals the Gobi Desert. On a 90 plus degree day, a car’s interior may be upward of 140 degrees!

Luckily my Fusion, along with most newer Ford vehicles, feature a variable displacement compressor. The air conditioning runs more efficiently because it can exclusively control the amount of cooling, based on the conditions at hand. Less engine stress and a more environmentally friendly drive are primary benefits.

Ford also employs a limited reheat strategy when creating a comfortable cabin for hot day drives. Previous technology cooled air to just above freezing. Then, it was reheated to the selected temperature. Now, air is still cooled down, but not as far – just below the desired temperature, then slightly reheated.

This reduces the amount of energy used translating to better fuel economy.

In “Auto” mode, unique sensors examine a variety of variables. For example, newer Ford vehicles can tell where the sun is most prevalent and adjust cooling accordingly. If the sun were shining, let’s say, more on the passenger side, cool air output is increased there.

Most vehicle cliamte systems today have a cooling capacity equal to a small home’s air conditioning. However, here are a few tricks you can use, courtesy of Ford, for quicker cooling.

Don’t switch the climate on and off, rather, adjust the temperature or fan speed.

When entering your vehicle, lower the windows completely to flush hotter air.

Use Max A/C as the windows roll down.

Redirect front A/C vents to the ceiling or sides to keep air flowing to the backseat.

Park in the shade if possible or use a reflective windshield shade.

Always close the moon/panoramic roof shade.

Follow the schedule for when the cabin air filter should be replaced.

Remote starts are great features in the winter but the same is true of summer. If your vehicle has one, set the climate control system accordingly upon starting. Just as you warm the inside during the winter, the same goes for cooling your vehicle in the summer.

Choosing a lighter exterior and/or a lighter interior color will reduce heat inside your car too.

If your car is not cooling the way it used to, it may be time to visit with a Service Advisor at a trusted repair facility. The AC system may need attention and a recharge or new parts might be necessary.

If you have other suggestions for keeping cool while driving this summer, please let us know here.