The Secret to Even Cooling from a Single-Blower AC During Lebaran Homecoming

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Lebaran homecoming journeys are typically in cars packed with passengers and luggage. For owners with a single-blower air conditioning (AC) system, this situation often leads to complaints that the rear cabin feels less cool or even stuffy on long trips. However, with the right settings, a single-blower AC can still provide comfort during the journey.

‘If the journey lasts more than two hours, you should occasionally use the fresh mode or outside air so the circulation inside the cabin remains healthy and not stuffy. It doesn’t have to be for long, just one to three minutes,’ Gunawan told Kompas.com on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

Gunawan explained that the fresh mode allows fresh air from outside to enter the cabin and still be filtered by the AC filter. This method is more effective than opening the windows, because the air still passes through the filtration process for dust and grime before entering the cabin.

Besides air circulation, blower settings are also key to comfort in a single-blower car. When the vehicle is carrying many passengers, the gusts should be increased to level two or three so that air distribution reaches the rear row evenly. ‘Don’t just lower to the coldest temperature. The blower should also be increased so the air can be pushed to the back. If necessary, nearly full is also fine, provided the engine cooling system is in good condition,’ he said.

If the engine temperature is too high due to a faulty radiator or low coolant, the AC can automatically shut down to protect the engine.

Therefore, before setting off for mudik, owners are advised to carry out a thorough check, from radiator condition, engine oil, brakes, to the AC system.

In the rainy season, safety components such as wipers and lights must also be ensured to function optimally.

With the right blower settings and occasionally activating fresh mode, cars with single-blower AC can still deliver maximum comfort on long journeys.

The key is not merely a cold temperature, but healthy air circulation and a well-maintained vehicle system.