AUTONEWS

GaN power electronics for bidirectional, single-phase DC electric vehicle charging

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF have developed a gallium nitride (GaN)-based power electronics module for 800-volt bidirectional direct current (DC) charging systems. The module is part of the GaN4EmoBiL project ("GaN Power Semiconductors for Electric Mobility and System Integration via Bidirectional Charging"). Project partner Ambibox GmbH integrated the module into the demonstrator of a bidirectional, single-phase off-board charger for electric vehicles (EVs).

The Fraunhofer IAF module uses 1,200-volt GaN devices fabricated on an insulating substrate. The superior properties of the devices are to be evaluated through their use in the demonstrator with battery voltages ranging from 150 volts to a maximum of 920 volts. The successful development underscores the enormous potential that GaN-based power electronics hold for the future of electric mobility.

Bidirectional, single-phase 800-volt DC charger for 3 kilowatts of power..."The single-phase demonstrator of an off-board EV charger with up to 3 kilowatts of bidirectional power addresses an existing gap in the trade-off between cost, flexibility, efficiency and compactness for bidirectional charging," explains Jun.-Prof. Dr. Stefan Mönch, coordinator of the GaN4EmoBiL project.

Demonstrator of a bidirectional single-phase 3-kW DC charger with GaN power electronics. Researchers at Fraunhofer IAF developed the power electronics module (top) using gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors and alternative insulating substrates. The demonstrator was built and the module integrated by GaN4EmoBiL project partner Ambibox GmbH. Credit: Fraunhofer IAF

Currently, electric vehicles are equipped with permanently installed onboard chargers to convert the alternating current (AC) from a household outlet or public charging station into the direct current (DC) required by the electric car, for example, at a power level of 11 or 22 kilowatts for fast charging.

However, onboard chargers incur high costs due to their size, weight and technical complexity. The off-board charger developed in GaN4EmoBiL represents a significantly more affordable and flexible alternative: Although its 3-kilowatt power output results in a slower charging speed compared with onboard charging systems, it is mobile, much more compact, lighter and versatile thanks to its CCS (Combined Charging System) plug and Schuko plug.

The demonstrator has a total volume of 8.3 liters (about 8.8 quarts) and a total weight, including plugs, of 5.7 kilograms (about 12.6 pounds).

Another advantage is its bidirectional charging capability.

"Bidirectional charging at high reverse voltages, as enabled by the demonstrated GaN charging system, is a key pillar in making the energy system more flexible," emphasizes Achim Lösch, business developer for high-frequency and power electronics at Fraunhofer IAF.

Through bidirectional charging, an electric car can function not only as a means of transportation but also as an energy storage device. During periods of oversupply, it draws power from the grid; during peak loads, it feeds power back into the grid.

GaN power electronics for energy technology: Fraunhofer IAF at PCIM Expo & Conference 2026..."At Fraunhofer IAF, we are developing innovative GaN devices and integrated power circuits (GaN power ICs) that are not only efficient but also significantly advance miniaturization at the system level through functional integration," explains Dr. Michael Basler, a researcher in the field of GaN power electronics at Fraunhofer IAF.

"At the same time, we are advancing the scalability of these technologies in terms of voltage class, current-carrying capacity and wafer size. Our goal: wide-bandgap performance at silicon prices."

Close-up of the power module developed and manufactured at Fraunhofer IAF, featuring 1,200-V-class GaN transistors on an insulating substrate for use in bidirectional DC charging systems. Credit: Fraunhofer IAF

Fraunhofer IAF will provide an overview of its research and development activities in the field of GaN power electronics at this year's PCIM Expo & Conference, which takes place June 9–11, 2026, in Nuremberg and focuses on the topic "Power Electronics for Energy Technology."

At the exhibition, Fraunhofer IAF will showcase various GaN-based power electronic components and modules at Booth 260 in Hall 6—with the highlight being the bidirectional EV charging system demonstrator. During the conference, four researchers from Fraunhofer IAF will present their current work in lectures and poster sessions.

Of particular note is the keynote presentation by Dr. Michael Basler on June 9 at 9:45 a.m.: "The GaN Evolution: Lateral, Vertical, and Bidirectional—What's Next?" This year, the presentation will open the PCIM Conference.

In it, Basler will provide an overview of the development of GaN transistors for power electronics to date, explain their advantages and look ahead to upcoming innovations.

GaN power electronics for the All-Electric Society...One of the key technological requirements of the All-Electric Society is the continuous development of increasingly powerful and efficient power electronics—particularly in energy conversion and storage systems.

In these applications, power electronic components represent a bottleneck: The maximum voltage a converter can handle is typically determined by the breakdown voltage of the semiconductors used, thereby defining a critical system limit. Accordingly, the performance of these components is decisive for the performance of the entire system.

Due to its physical properties, GaN enables significant advances in power electronics for energy conversion applications. GaN-based components enable the development of faster, more compact and more efficient systems.

In the field of electromobility, GaN opens the door to the use of power electronics in voltage classes up to 1,200 volts and, in the future, up to 1,700 volts, thanks to its combination of performance, efficiency and reduced costs.

Such high-performance systems have a positive impact on both the range of electric vehicles and their cost-effectiveness. They help further establish electric mobility across a broader segment of society.

Provided by Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF 

AUTONEWS

Which cars are the best after 100,000 km?

“Decades ago, 100,000 miles was seen as the upper service life for a lot of cars, and that number has sort of stuck in people’s imaginations to mean that a car is past its prime,” says Mike Crossen, lead technician at CR’s Auto Test Center. “Although expensive maintenance items come due at or shortly after 100,000 miles, most cars today can last a lot longer.”

Crossen says that things like spark plugs, timing belts, the water pump, and rubber parts such as coolant hoses are among the pricier maintenance items likely to pop up when a car hits 100,000 miles, typically in the eight- to 10-year range. “That’s also when automatic transmissions can start to show signs of wear, and when cars with manual transmissions might need a clutch replacement,” he says. “You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential maintenance and repair costs if these things have been taken care of before you buy the car.”

What to Keep in Mind When Researching High-Mileage Cars...Choose a model known for reliability and low repair costs. Any car with more than 100,000 miles is going to be out of warranty and possibly in need of big-ticket maintenance items or repairs. But buying a car with a good reliability record and low maintenance and repair costs can help keep these expenses to a minimum.

Keep your options list simple. “Cars with more and higher-tech features are likely to be more expensive to fix when they break,” Crossen says. “Also, be wary of used luxury cars, which tend to have higher costs for parts and labor, as well as greater complexity, which will mean higher labor fees when repairs are needed.” Extras like all-wheel drive, heated and ventilated seats, multiple camera systems, and motion-activated tailgates, while nice to have, can be expensive to fix if something goes wrong.

Check the maintenance records. Once you’ve found a high-mileage car you want to buy, scrutinize it for anything that might cost you later. The seller should have maintenance records. If the car was maintained at a dealership service department, there will be computerized records that can be printed out upon request, even if they have to black out the customer’s name and other personal information. Carfax vehicle history reports (see below) include reported service work and can be a useful tool to judge how well a car has been looked after. If you can’t get clear records from a history report or the seller, consider buying another car. “The bottom line: You want to make sure the car has been serviced and maintained under its previous ownership,” Crossen says. Review the repair and maintenance records to make sure things like oil, filters, and brake pads were replaced at regular intervals, and make a note of any major repairs. Keep in mind that electric vehicles need maintenance, too: By 100,000 miles, there’s likely to be a record of work done to the brakes and cooling system, for example.

Get a vehicle history report. Vehicle history reports may include information about the car’s accident history, as well as warnings about odometer tampering. The owner may include a vehicle history report in the sale listing, but it’s a good idea to get reports from a few different sources to rule out omissions from the car’s history. A Carfax report costs $45 and one from Autocheck costs $30. You can also get free reports from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and carsforsale.com, which provides reports from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Most listings in the Consumer Reports Used Car Marketplace include free history reports. CR members will also see the reliability and owner satisfaction ratings with each listing. 

Have the car looked over by a mechanic. As with any used car, you should take a high-mileage car to a mechanic you trust and have worked with before. “A mechanic will be able to spot most major mechanical problems, as well as paint and bodywork hiding accident damage, and deal breakers like corrosion that you might not be able to see until the car is up on a lift,” Crossen says. “A little surface rust is fine, but bubbling paint, rust holes, and damage to parts of the steering, braking, and suspension systems or the frame are not. Make sure the technician also checks rubber suspension bushings for damage from leaking oil or high-impact usage.”

The German car magazine Auto Bild has the rare opportunity to test cars in a marathon test of 100,000 km. It now has a large database of vehicles that have undergone the demanding treatment, and the best models with the fewest faults have been published. The cars are driven in all weather conditions, on short trips as well as on motorways. The result is not just a technical assessment, but a comprehensive and reliable picture.

The following models were impressive and achieved the highest rating. Not only did they demonstrate high quality and reliable technology, but they also showed only minimal weaknesses in everyday use and during disassembly! So, the best after 100,000 km was the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, tested in 2017. It received a rating of 1+ (in German terminology, the best rating is 1 to the worst rating is 5). Audi did not have a single fault.

Next comes the 1+ BMW M3, tested in 2023, with a manual transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

In third place is the 2019 Audi A4 Avant TFSI ultra with a 1 rating (all subsequent models also have a 1 rating) without any major issues.

Next comes the Audi A6 Avant 40 TDI (2021), with no faults other than the parking sensor that kept triggering error messages.

The BMW Z4 sDrive 30i (2021) completed the endurance test with virtually no wear or complications. It never required an unscheduled service visit during the entire period. Even a teardown under the strict supervision of DEKRA revealed no defects or significant wear.

Seat Ateca 1.4 Eco TSI Style (2020) – after long drives, several drivers complained of back pain and numbness in their buttocks. This resulted in a penalty point, spoiling the otherwise exceptional and impeccable performance.

The VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI (2023) covered 100,000 kilometers without a single fault or defect. During the final inspection, a light brown film was noticed on the front and rear axles, which, as harmless surface corrosion, did not affect the performance of the T-Cross. Engine, gearbox, clutch – all in perfect working order!

The BMW 320d Touring (2022) endured 100,000 kilometers with complete calm and ease. A few functional weaknesses in everyday use, a couple of (mostly cosmetic) problems during disassembly and a high price – that's all that could be noticed.

The Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 184 AWD (2021) also passed the test without any significant defects and with impeccable service in the service. Initial, but still harmless, corrosion was found under the trunk lid seal. The installed 2.2-liter diesel engine showed no signs of wear after 100,000 kilometers.

The Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Boosterjet (2021) completed the test without any problems. It was only during disassembly that a defect was discovered: (relatively minor) rust in the longitudinal members. The corrosion protection was insufficient.

Without this defect, the Swift Sport would have received the highest rating.

AUTONEWS

Researchers demonstrate hydrogen as a viable aviation fuel

Researchers from Swansea University are celebrating their role in a major aviation milestone following the successful completion of a four-year international program led by Rolls-Royce and easyJet to demonstrate hydrogen as a viable aviation fuel. The program has culminated in a world-first achievement: a modern aero engine running on 100% hydrogen at full takeoff power, proving the potential of hydrogen to play a transformative role in future zero-carbon aviation.

Swansea University provided critical materials data to support the development of hydrogen-fueled gas turbines as a core partner in the HYEST (Hydrogen Engine System Technologies) initiative.

As part of the project, Swansea's Institute of Structural Materials (ISM) established new world-class mechanical testing capabilities in two areas previously unexplored by the research group:

-cryogenic temperatures

-high-pressure hydrogen environments

These facilities were developed through close collaboration between the ISM and the university's Steel and Metals Institute (SAMI).

The new capabilities allow researchers to replicate the extreme conditions hydrogen-fueled engines must withstand, generating essential data for safe and efficient engine design.

Professor Mark Whittaker, director of the Institute of Structural Materials (ISM) and the Rolls-Royce University Technology Center (UTC) in Materials at Swansea University, said, "ISM is an internationally recognized research center specializing in mechanical testing in high-temperature environments.

Credits: Rolls-Royce plc 2026

"SAMI brought complementary expertise in working with challenging industrial gases such as hydrogen, enabling us to create truly unique facilities. These have generated extensive data to support the development of hydrogen-based gas turbines.

"Our close relationship with Rolls-Royce has created an environment where laboratory-scale mechanical characterization can directly inform how materials behave in a hydrogen-fueled engine."

The Swansea team's contribution forms a vital part of the broader industry effort to accelerate the transition to zero-carbon aviation technologies.

Louise Gale, materials specialist at Rolls-Royce, said, "The testing program at NASA Stennis represents the culmination of a comprehensive, global program that set out to prove that hydrogen can safely and efficiently deliver power for aerospace engines. The Rolls-Royce program followed an incremental, technology-led approach to prove the fundamental technologies, including materials.

"Swansea was a clear choice as a partner for the HYEST program, building on our strong relationship developed through many successful previous collaborations on materials testing and characterization.

"The development of hydrogen-fueled engines requires novel materials test capability to validate material behavior in hydrogen environments. The test capability developed by Swansea has allowed us to generate key materials data to support component design and safety assessments."

Provided by Swansea University

AUTONEWS

Absolute rarity: rare Mercedes 300 SL found in Portugal after 30 years

An extremely rare Mercedes 300 SL Coupé, one of only 1,400 ever produced, has been discovered in Portugal after 30 years of dormancy. The legendary car with its distinctive gullwing doors was found in parts in a garage on a plantation, where it was awaiting a restoration that never began.

Although the discoveries of forgotten automotive classics are not uncommon, this one stands out with its story. The car was not just covered in dust, but was completely disassembled - the body on one side, the chassis on the other, and boxes of parts all around, writes the Autonews.

The father of the current owner once bought the car with the intention of restoring it, but the plan never came to fruition, probably due to the complexity and high costs of the project. Thus, the dream of restoration turned into a thirty-year dormancy.

Setting itself apart from the usual barn finds due to its rarity and condition, this extraordinary discovery revealed a completely disassembled example, a testament to a restoration project interrupted by time. The complex salvage process now signals the beginning of the rebirth of a true icon of automotive engineering, whose preserved components are finally returning to the light of day.

The documentary investigation and the survey of the history of this chassis were imbued with contours of high historical interest, as the original records and chronology of its owners in the country were recovered. The data gathered suggest a rich history in Portuguese territory, even raising the strong possibility of links with the sporting and competition past of the time. Each technical detail and cataloged part reflects decades of stagnation of a model that awaited the opportunity to see its mechanical integrity restored.

After the completion of the sorting and packaging work in Lisbon, the chassis and engine of the emblematic "Gullwing" were transported to Germany, where the project will continue under the most rigorous international restoration standards.

This historic find in Portugal is considered one of the most significant events of the year in the world of classic cars, promising to return to circulation and official records one of the most charismatic and valuable models in Mercedes-Benz history.

Now the legendary Mercedes should be back on the road. The task was entrusted to HK-Engineering from Poling in Bavaria, a company that specializes in the 300 SL. Their team traveled to Portugal to assess the condition of the car and prepare it for transport.

In a discreet warehouse, somewhere on a cork-producing property near Lisbon, one of the most iconic cars in history lay hidden for about three decades: a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

Disassembled and practically forgotten by time, the German sports car awaited a second chance, tucked away among furniture and boxes in a lost warehouse in the middle of a plot of land.

That opportunity has now arisen. HK-Engineering, a German company specializing in the restoration of 300 SL Gullwings, received an unexpected contact from the grandson of the original owner to rescue this car.

The rescue process of this example with a rare configuration—dark blue leather interior, silver paint, and center-lock wheels—was documented on video, where we learn a little more about its history. We discovered that this example has always been linked to the same family since it was bought new, and there are a number of documents that attest to its trajectory.

A project interrupted by time...According to the grandson of the first owner, after a few years of use, his father decided to begin a complete restoration of the 300 SL, with the goal of returning the Gullwing to the exact state he remembered it in during his childhood.

They started by completely disassembling the car, but the size of the project, the costs involved, and the time required to complete it ultimately dictated the interruption of the process.

The result was a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with the body separated from the chassis and dozens of components scattered across warehouses. And so it remained for about 30 years waiting for a restoration that was long overdue.

ARAI

ARAI launches a special helmet inspired by the Isle of Man TT

The Isle of Man TT is no ordinary race. Its history, its difficulty, and the respect it inspires among fans have made the Tourist Trophy one of the symbols of motorcycling. Now, Arai honors this event with a limited edition of one of its helmets. The Japanese brand has revealed the RX-7V EVO IOM TT 2026 Limited Edition, a version developed on the RX-7V EVO platform and created to celebrate the 2026 edition of the TT.

This helmet was designed for both road racing enthusiasts and collectors, combining an elegant design with the protective technology that characterizes Arai.

One of its main aspects is the design. The graphics were developed in collaboration with Drudi Performance and feature a retro combination of black, white, and gold.

In addition, it incorporates several references to the world of the Tourist Trophy. Among them, the triskelion, the three-legged symbol associated with the Isle of Man, located on the top of the helmet, as well as the outline of the island and various visual references to the TT distributed throughout the paintwork. The relationship between Arai and the Isle of Man TT is not recent. The Japanese company has been linked to the event for over four decades and currently holds the position of Official Helmet Partner. Several TT riders regularly use their helmets, including names like Michael Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson, Conor Cummins, and Josh Brookes.

Beyond aesthetics, the helmet maintains the technical characteristics of the RX-7V EVO. The brand highlights its protection philosophy based on a rounded shell designed to promote energy dispersion in case of impact. It also maintains Arai's R75 concept, a key element of the Japanese brand and one that remains fundamental to many of its safety developments.

The RX-7V EVO IOM TT 2026 Limited Edition is already available in limited quantities and has become an indispensable item for Isle of Man enthusiasts. After all, for many motorcyclists, the TT is much more than just a race. And now it can also be part of their daily lives.

If you were at Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, you’ll have already seen it: Arai Helmet Europe has pulled the covers off its 2026 Isle of Man TT special edition helmet.

The RX-7V EVO IoM TT 2026 Limited Edition is the 17th special Arai created around the legendary road race where Arai is the Official Helmet Partner. The annual Arai TT special has been a cornerstone of the partnership that spans more than four decades.

At the heart of the helmet is Arai’s iconic shell shape, inspired by one of nature’s strongest forms – the egg. That relentless focus on protection has driven Arai to create rounder, stronger, smoother shells designed to deliver outstanding glancing-off performance. By continuously working to minimise the impact energy that enters a helmet, Arai’s pursuit of protection has led to the R75 shell – trusted by riders and racers across the globe, including those who take on the Mountain Course.

Designed by longtime collaborator Drudi Performance, Arai’s IoM TT 2026 brings you another stunning look inspired by the world’s ultimate road race.

The livery, presented on the iconic RX-7V EVO, features a retro-style black, white and gold base, with striking swoosh lines that capture the adrenaline and speed of the TT. Vibrant highlights in red, orange and blue pull the whole design together, while the wraparound TT logo dominates the sides of the helmet so there’s no mistaking where your passion lies. Brilliant white Triskelions sit proudly on the chin and crown, with golden “Tourist Trophy” text tying the logo and lines together. On the rear, you’ll find Drudi’s thumbprint icon alongside a bright red outline of the 37.73-mile-long Mountain Course – a subtle nod to every respected mile.

The RX-7V EVO IoM TT 2026 Limited Edition will be available online from May 2026, and in limited quantities at the Arai store at TT 2026. 

 

Autonews

MOTO GP

Balaton Park: Marc Márquez and his 100th victory

Marc Márquez confirmed his status as favorite and won the Hungarian MotoGP Grand Prix with authority this Sunday (7). The Ducati rider won an intense duel against Pedro Acosta, chased his rival in the first half of the race and built a comfortable advantage to complete a perfect weekend at Balaton Park. The dominant performance revived the nickname ‘Balaton Marc’, created after the Spaniard also dominated the Hungarian stage in 2025, in addition to marking the Spaniard's 100th victory in the World Motorcycle Championship.

Also very competitive throughout the weekend, Acosta secured second place in Hungary for KTM. Francesco Bagnaia completed the Balaton Park podium. Marco Bezzecchi, on the other hand, had a Sunday to forget. The leader of the World Championship, the Italian was hit by Jorge Martín in the first lap accident and abandoned the race without scoring points.

At the front, Marc Márquez continued to accumulate fast laps and close in on the KTM rider, while the advantage of the two over third-placed Pecco Bagnaia continued to increase.

Moreira was in sixth place, in the middle of a 'train' of bikes led by Jack Miller of Pramac Yamaha, followed by three Hondas. On lap 12, the Brazilian managed to overtake Miller and move into fifth (after the Pramac rider was overtaken by Luca Marini), but lost contact and returned to sixth place.

At the front, Márquez managed to overtake Acosta, but the KTM rider managed to regain the position and, in the next corner, they took the corner side-by-side, with Acosta managing to maintain the lead. Further back, Moreira dropped to seventh after an attack by Ogura.

On lap 15, Márquez managed to pressure, overtake and remain in the lead against Acosta, with the reigning champion pulling away at the front. Further back, Joan Mir crashed at turn 11, abandoning the race and causing a yellow flag in that sector.

On laps 18 to 19, Marc Márquez continued to increase the gap to Acosta, even while pushing the Ducati bike to the limit. Right behind him, Moreira overtook Miller and moved up to sixth place.

With five laps to go, Márquez was increasing his advantage over the rest of the grid, more than two seconds ahead of Acosta. Shortly behind, Marini and Ogura continued to battle for fourth place, with the Japanese rider passing the Honda rider with two laps to go.

At the front, Márquez cruised to victory, securing his and Ducati's 100th win in the MotoGP World Championship, while Moreira managed to finish sixth, the best result of the Brazilian's career in the premier class.

See the interview with M. Márquez...Marc Márquez commented on his physical condition, managing to achieve a pole position and a victory in the Sprint race in less than a month after undergoing double surgery. The Spanish rider emphasized that the circuit format helped him a lot.

“In three days, the physical condition doesn't change, but rather the circuit changes. I was able to confirm here that on the left side, at least, I'm back to my old form. And that's important, because at the beginning of the year, within Ducati, I wasn't the fastest in the left-hand corners, and that's where I made the difference, especially last year.

Here I felt comfortable again, and the race consisted of pushing at the beginning, giving it my all, and then surviving and managing. I had that in mind, I tried to do it, and I succeeded.”

Regarding today's race, the Spaniard preferred to remain cautious with expectations, despite the performance he has been showing throughout the weekend.

“Starting from pole and being as I am today, I would like to be on the podium. I have to be super focused tomorrow, in the sense that if I drop physically, my head keeps going fast, but my body doesn't.

''So, that's where a bad body movement can make me go through the same thing that happened in Le Mans, when I was on the lap, without pushing too hard, I fell simply because of my body position.”

During qualifying, the Spanish rider fell, but continued holding the clutch, without stalling the bike, and managed to return to the track and take pole position. Márquez stated that this gesture was automatic:

“It’s not that I’m there, sliding around the track and thinking. It comes from instinct, and it can end up costing me dearly, because making a mistake on the first tire can cost you dearly on the second, if you don’t have a reference time.”

The nine-time champion also spoke about the presence of younger riders in the sport, joking that it’s good that Fermín doesn’t have a 2021 Ducati:

“It’s a good thing Fermín doesn’t have the 2026. But that’s the law of life. Young riders… it took me 10 years for one, and 11 or 12 for another, more or less. So, it’s the law of life. Little by little, young riders arrive, fresh, eager, strong, and talented.”

Speaking about the next season, Marc stated that he has been using the current one as a way to prepare for 2027, without focusing on recovering the championship against Bezzecchi:

“I’m here to be here next year. So…” "Right now, I'm working towards being there next year. We're not in a time to recover, but rather to build so we can try to take advantage of it in the future."

Autonews and Mundoquatrorodas

AUTONEWS

Your car's air conditioning won't cool properly if you make these typical mistakes

The arrival of warmer days means more frequent use of your car's air conditioning. However, many drivers make mistakes that may not immediately cause a breakdown, but can reduce the cooling efficiency and unnecessarily burden the vehicle.

Many air conditioning systems suffer from poor maintenance, so some car brands need to replace the air conditioning filter after 15,000 kilometers. This will make the air conditioning work more efficiently, and you will also prevent the spread of mold and bacteria...

It is better to open the doors and windows when entering the car before turning on the air conditioning. This simple procedure can significantly reduce the temperature. Once the car is ventilated, you can get in, close the doors and windows and turn on the air conditioning, writes Revija HAK.

To achieve even distribution of air flow, the ventilation openings should be directed upwards, and not towards the faces of the passengers. It is even better to turn on the ventilation openings that run along the windshield. This simple procedure improves the quality of air flow through the car interior (heat rises).

Immediately after getting into the car, it can be helpful to turn on the interior recirculation for a few minutes, as this will cool the interior even faster. After a few minutes, turn on the outside air supply. This will allow the system to distribute the air flow more evenly and efficiently.

In some areas, even in summer, it can be quite cold in the morning. However, it is often a good idea to turn on the air conditioning immediately. This prevents the windows from misting up when the outside temperature starts to rise slightly.

To use your car's air conditioning correctly, you should adjust the controls according to the weather, use recirculation intelligently, and perform preventive maintenance. Adopting these habits saves fuel, cools the cabin faster, and protects your health.

In the Heat: How to cool your car quickly

Don't turn the air conditioning on full blast as soon as you get into the vehicle if it has been parked in the sun.

Open the windows: Leave the windows open for about a minute while you start driving to expel the accumulated hot "air".

Turn on the system: Activate the ventilation and then the air conditioning (A/C) button.

Activate recirculation: Turn on the internal recirculation button (the icon with an arrow going around inside the car). This makes the system reuse the air that is already cooling in the cabin, instead of pulling hot air from the street, saving the engine and fuel.

Close the windows: As soon as the air starts to come out cold, close the windows completely.

Direct the airflow: Point the air vents upwards or to the sides, never directly at the body. Cold air is denser and descends on its own, cooling the environment evenly.

In the Rain: how to defog the windows (below)

The most common mistake in the rain is turning off the system to avoid getting cold, which worsens the fogging.

Air conditioning (A/C) on: It works as a dehumidifier and removes internal cabin moisture instantly.

Recirculation off (Outside air open): Make sure recirculation is deactivated. Pulling in outside air equalizes the internal and external temperature of the windows, preventing water from condensing.

Direction: Point the airflow directly at the windshield using the dashboard control. If you are cold, you can adjust the selector to a warm or hot temperature, as long as the A/C button remains on.

In heavy traffic and tunnels (below):

Use internal recirculation: Keep the function activated to prevent polluting gases and bad smells from other vehicles' exhausts from entering your car.

Deactivate on the road: When traffic flows well, turn off recirculation for a few minutes to renew the oxygen in the cabin, preventing dizziness and drowsiness.

Care and maintenance habits (below):

Turn off before destination: About 2 to 5 minutes before turning off the engine, turn off the A/C button and leave only the ventilation running. This dries the moisture accumulated in the air ducts and prevents the proliferation of fungi and bad smells.

Turn on every week: Even during the winter, turn on the air conditioning for at least 10 to 15 minutes once a week. This circulates the gas and lubricating oil, preventing the hoses and compressor seals from drying out.

Cabin filter replacement: Replace the air filter (cabin filter) every 6 months or 10,000 km, or at least once a year. A dirty filter blocks airflow, strains the system, and introduces dust mites and dust into your breathing.