How To Cool Your Car Without Killing Your AC In El Paso

El Paso summer's are BRUTAL. Your cars air conditioner will be working hard from now 'til ohhh ... October - ish. Here are some simple tips to help it work better and last longer.

Living in El Paso can be like living in an oven and everybody's air conditioner becomes their best friend. Here's how you can make life a little easier on your AC, while still getting the most out of it, as you make your way through another blistering summer.

A couple of simple little do's and don'ts can help your AC do its job better.

Use Your Car AC Wisely

Open your door(s) and fan it/them back 'n forth a few times as you start the car. This helps blow out the mega hot air that has built up inside and, once you're in the car and driving away, roll down the windows. Same reason, blow out that hot air.

Don't Start The AC On High

You're just making it work really hard and you still haven't quite gotten rid of the built up hot air in the car or in the AC lines. Bring it up to max over a couple of minutes as you drive away.

Hold Off On The Recirculate Feature

Use the re-circulate feature, it's easier on the AC to keep air cool if it's already cool but, on start up, it isn't. As hot as the outside air is, it's cooler than what's trapped in your car. Use outside air at first then, after a couple of minutes, switch to recirculate.

Proper Maintenance

Be sure your system is fully charged, check for refrigerant leaks and replace your cabin filters as needed.  Also, make sure your vents are open all the way, not blocked by anything. Cool air sinks so, aim your vents toward the roof.

READ MORE: High Heat Safety Tips

Using windshield shades, cracking the windows and parking in the shade can help get you a cooler starting point. Don't work your AC any harder than you have to - if it goes out completely, you're toast. Literally.