Why you should never put on air con as soon as you get into hot car

Woman drives car with broken air conditioner in hot weather wipes sweat on face.

Experts reveal why turning on your AC when you get into a hot car is a bad idea (Image: Getty)

As UK temperatures soar towards a sizzling 28°C this week, experts have issued an alert warning for drivers. The hotter months have finally arrived, and with them come sweaty commutes, sticky seats and the dreaded oven-on-wheels sensation when you get in your car after it's been baking in the sun all day.

Many cars, especially in the UK, have black interiors or leather seats, which absorb and retain even more heat. Parked in direct sun, interior temperatures can exceed 50°C, making it feel like you’re stepping into a mobile sauna. But before you leap into your vehicle and crank the air con to full blast, experts have warned that you shouldn't.

Rear passenger's door of luxury automobile being opened while vehicle being parked in urban area. Clear lines and stylish design of modern car

Open your car window and door to release the superheated air (Image: Getty)

It turns out this common reflex might be making your journey hotter, longer, and less efficient than it needs to be.

According to vehicle experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, blasting your air conditioning the second you sit down isn’t doing you, or your car, any favours.

“You’re basically asking your A/C to fight a losing battle,” explained Keith Hawes, director of the leasing firm.

“The air inside your car is often hotter than outside air. If you immediately turn on the air conditioning, especially on recirculate mode, you’re just pushing hot air around and forcing the system to work overtime.”

That means the sweaty steering wheel, scalding seatbelt buckles and sun-scorched seats are all radiating heat back into the air, which keeps reheating faster than your A/C can cool it.

Confident man with beard driving black car.

Drive with your windows down to circulate the air (Image: Getty)

Instead, open all your doors and windows for at least 30 to 60 seconds to let the superheated air escape.

Then start driving with the windows down as the movement forces fresh air through the cabin, expelling lingering heat.

When you finally turn your A/C on, make sure you're in 'fresh air mode'. Avoid the 'recirculate' setting at first. You want to draw in cooler outside air, not reuse the sauna air inside.

You’d be surprised how much the temperature drops in just a minute.

Also, make sure to point the vents toward your chest and lap, cooling the core of your body helps you feel comfortable quicker.

So whether you're heading off on a school run, commuting to work, or gearing up for a weekend beach trip remember to not blast that A/C right away.