On hot days, most of us get in the car and blast the AC without giving it much thought. However, there are some best practices to consider if you want to be sure your AC is up to par all summer. Here are 5 things you can do to ensure peak performance from your AC when you hit the road.

1. Turn off your AC before you shut off the engine. Leaving the AC on can reduce the life of your battery because of the added current that's drawn when you go to restart your car the next time. Getting in this habit will also help you acclimate to the warmer temperature just outside your car door. 
2. Keep your windows cracked on hot days. Heat builds quickly inside your car. By opening the windows slightly, you can cut back on the heat buildup, so your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard. 
3. Let the hot air out before you get inside. Consider rolling down all the windows or opening the doors before you start the engine. By dropping the internal temperature a few degrees, you will lessen the strain on your car's air conditioner.
4. Put your AC on the lowest setting to cool off your car. If you set the temp higher, you are forcing the system to reheat your air, which burns more fuel.
5. Roll down your windows in stop and go traffic. Running the AC all the time puts a severe strain on your engine and makes your car less fuel efficient. If you are doing a lot of city driving, it's a good idea to open the windows when possible. 

If you are looking to purchase a new vehicle this summer, the experts at Hometown Auto can help you find the right car at the right price. Visit one of our convenient locations in High Point or Winston-Salem. After purchase, our service department can help keep your AC is tip-top shape all summer.