Do You Need to Turn on the AC in Winter?

[StCarlos]

In winter, it is not necessary to press the AC button when using the car's air conditioning. The specific reasons are as follows: Specific reasons: In cars, the heating function of the air conditioning system is achieved through the heat from the engine's coolant and the heating wires for the windshield. Precautions for using air conditioning: Many car owners prefer to turn on the air conditioning for heating as soon as they start the car, but this practice is actually inappropriate. Because in winter, the engine has just started, and the temperature of the radiator is still very low. Turning on the air conditioning not only fails to quickly increase the temperature inside the car but also adds extra load to the engine, delaying the normal rise in engine temperature.

[KiaraRose]

When driving in winter with the AC on, I believe it depends on the situation. In fact, the AC isn't just for cooling—it also dehumidifies, which is crucial, especially when the heater is on in winter, as the car interior tends to fog up, particularly the windshield. Fogged-up windows can compromise driving safety. With over 20 years of driving experience, I've found that during rain or snow, turning on the AC along with the heater quickly clears the fog, leaving the air inside dry and comfortable. However, the AC does slightly increase fuel consumption by about 10%. If the weather is dry and there's no fogging, I prefer to turn it off to save on fuel. Many modern cars come with automatic climate control systems that can set the temperature and decide whether to activate the AC for dehumidification, making things much more convenient. Safety comes first—regularly checking the AC's condition, preventing mold and malfunctions, and maintaining good habits are key.

[SanCollin]

Dude, why turn on the AC in winter? Not for cooling, but to prevent fogging! When it gets warm, the windows fog up like crazy, and turning on the AC helps dehumidify and clear the fog instantly. One time I didn’t turn it on, and the fog was so bad I almost crashed—now I’ve learned my lesson. When the heater’s on, keep the AC running to ensure a clear view. A bit higher fuel consumption is nothing compared to an accident. Plus, the air inside circulates better, so it doesn’t feel stuffy. Of course, on dry, sunny days, you can turn it off to save fuel. If your car has an auto mode, just set the temperature, and it’ll adjust the AC automatically. Learn this trick—drive easier and safer. Don’t wait for an accident to regret it.

[VonBradley]

In winter, whether to turn on the AC while driving depends on the purpose. Turning on the AC can dehumidify and prevent fogging, which affects safety, so it's good to turn it on briefly. However, to save fuel, if the fogging is minimal, you can try not turning it on and use the defog button or open the windows for ventilation first. Personally, I try to save fuel as much as possible and only turn on the AC when the fogging is severe, accepting a bit of fuel consumption for safety. Safety is important, so just balance the usage.