Do both AC and Auto need to be turned on for the air conditioner?
2 Answers
The auto switch and AC switch of the air conditioner do not need to be turned on simultaneously. The AC button controls the air conditioning compressor, which must be turned on for cooling in summer. Auto stands for automatic, meaning that when this function is activated, the car's air conditioner will automatically adjust to the appropriate temperature and fan speed. In summer, pressing the Auto button will automatically turn on the AC button. In winter, after the engine is preheated, the heat from the engine's water circulation is used, so there is no need to press the AC button. Precautions for using the car air conditioner are as follows: 1. Turn off the AC during startup and rapid acceleration: Since the air conditioner (non-independent type) consumes some of the engine's power, it is best to turn off the AC during vehicle startup and rapid acceleration, and then turn it on after the vehicle is moving. This prevents insufficient engine power during acceleration and startup and also helps save fuel. 2. Do not set the air conditioner temperature too low: Many drivers like to set the temperature very low in summer, thinking it is comfortable, but this is a misconception. A large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car can easily cause the driver to catch a cold, and excessively low temperatures may also increase the risk of arthritis for passengers. Normally, the temperature inside the car should be 5°C to 6°C different from the outside temperature. 3. Control the direction of the air vents: Based on the principle that cold air sinks and hot air rises, drivers can adjust the air vents accordingly—point them upward when cooling and downward when heating.
When driving with the air conditioning on, I usually just use the AUTO mode. After starting the vehicle, pressing the AUTO button will automatically adjust the temperature, fan speed, and AC switch, deciding whether to cool or dehumidify based on the interior conditions. For example, during hot summer days, it immediately turns on the AC for quick cooling; in winter or on cloudy days, it may only run the fan to save energy. There's no need to manually press the AC button because AUTO already covers all controls—doing both might lead to redundant operations and increased fuel consumption. I remember my last long-distance trip, using AUTO mode the entire way made the ride smooth and comfortable while saving on fuel costs. I only manually turn on the AC in special situations, like when there's fog inside the car and I want to manually dehumidify, but even that can be handled under AUTO mode. Overall, using AUTO is a smart choice that makes driving a bit easier.
