AIR CONDITIONING MYTHS & TOP TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR COOL IN SUMMER

On days with exceedingly high temperatures, motorists should be aware of the effects heat can have on their cars as well as their bodies. Scientifically, temperatures can cause slower reaction times, with nausea, dizziness, headaches and fatigue widely felt from an increase in core body temperature. The British Nutrition Foundation details how a drop in bodyweight of just 2% in water can lead to impaired cognitive and physiological responses, with symptoms such as a headaches or fatigue occuring.

What can drivers do?

Lowering the cabin temperature of a car by using the air conditioning will help reduce tiredness and improve concentration levels. By maintaining a steady and relatively low in-car temperature, drivers are less likely to sweat and become dehydrated.

But will some motorists skip the air conditioning because it uses too much fuel, or because they're worried it will have an adverse effect on their overall health? Here are four common misconceptions about the technology.

1. Using the air conditioning ruins your fuel economy

While employing your air conditioning system will increase fuel consumption in internal combustion engine cars and battery use in electric vehicles, the consumption penalty isn't as harsh as people may think. This is because the car uses a compressor to run the system which requires energy from an engine or motor.

According to the Energy Trust, drivers can expect to see up to a 5% drop in fuel efficiency when driving with the air conditioning switched on, but other factors, such as under-inflated tyres, driving at higher speeds, a packed boot, or a bike rack/roof box attached to the car, can simi...