As Summer’s temperatures continue to rise, we can all use tips on how to beat the heat. Cardinale Mazda in Salinas, located at the Salinas Auto Mall, offers these great tips from Consumer Reports on how you can get more from your vehicle’s air conditioner:

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Don’t Waste Time (And Gas) Trying To Pre-Cool Your Vehicle

The fastest way to cool down a hot vehicle is to get moving.  Don’t let your car idle while you turn the A/C on full blast.  It will only blow out hot air and burn unnecessary fuel.  Instead, turn the ignition and drive away, as the faster the engine works, the faster the air conditioner’s compressor runs.  This means you’ll cool off faster!

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Turn Off The Air Recirculation Mode

To keep your vehicle cooler, you’ll want to make sure that the air recirculation mode is turned off.  This is especially important if you have passengers in the rear seat.  You don’t want cool air from the front being recirculated, because while those in the front seats may be cool, the rear seat passengers will experience hot, stale air.

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Set The A/C To The Lowest Temperature

Surprisingly, setting your vehicle’s air conditioner to the lowest temperature is the smart move for staying cool. It will not only help keep your vehicle cool, but is less likely to have a drying out effect and can even save fuel.

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Make Sure You Turn Off The “Start/Stop” Button

This only applies to newer cars that have the “Start/Stop” button.  You’ll want to keep it turned off if you want to beat the heat.  This feature actually prevents the A/C compressor from running when it shuts off the engine in an effort to save fuel.  You’ll begin to notice the car getting warm when this happens.

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Get A New, Clear Air Filter For Optimal Results

To maximize airflow, make sure your vehicle is equipped with a new, clear air filter.  This is probably the most important way you can help keep your vehicle cool during the hot Summer months.  You may need to bring your vehicle to your dealership to swap out the old air filter for a brand new air filter.  Remember, the air you breathe while driving is only as clean as your vehicle’s air filter!

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Check Out These “Cool” Vehicles At Cardinale Mazda

We’d love to have you visit us at Cardinale Mazda in Salinas.  Why not check out our “cooler” models like the 2017 Mazda Miata MX-5 convertible?  Or how about the 2017 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV?  Check out our user-friendly website at www.cardinalemazda.com for a complete listing of our inventory.  Stay cool the rest of this Summer with our tips for how to maximize your vehicle’s air conditioning system.

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Cardinale Mazda

500 Auto Center Circle

Salinas, California 93907

Phone: 877.989.9252

Website: www.cardinalemazda.com