How to Properly Use Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
Correct methods for using car air conditioning are as follows: 1. Open windows before turning on the air conditioning. After the car has been exposed to the sun in summer, do not enter the car immediately. Alternatively, after entering, do not rush to turn on the air conditioning. Instead, first lower all windows or open the doors, then turn on the fan to accelerate air circulation. Close the windows and turn on the air conditioning after a few minutes. This allows toxic substances to be released and improves cooling efficiency. 2. Direct the air conditioning vents diagonally upward. Most people do not pay much attention to the direction of the air flow. After turning on the air conditioning, they let the air blow randomly, even choosing the mode that blows toward the windshield. This is actually not appropriate because the high temperature of the windshield will offset most of the cooling effect. The correct way is to choose the upward diagonal direction, utilizing the principle that hot air rises and cold air sinks, allowing the cold air to cool the car from top to bottom. 3. Avoid prolonged low temperatures. While driving, car owners should also be careful not to excessively pursue coolness by setting the air conditioning temperature too low. Otherwise, people can easily suffer from endocrine imbalance due to the large temperature difference between inside and outside the car, making them more prone to illness. Additionally, setting the air conditioning temperature too low will also increase fuel consumption, raising the cost of car usage. In fact, under normal circumstances, a temperature difference of about 6°C between the inside and outside of the car is ideal. 4. Turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine. About 5 minutes before reaching the destination, turn off the car's air conditioning compressor (i.e., the AC button) and let the blower continue to work to dry the moisture in the air ducts. Upon arrival, turn off the blower and then shut down the engine. This can effectively reduce the working pressure on the air conditioning compressor, prolong its lifespan, and prevent issues such as mold growth in the air ducts due to moisture accumulation.
I've been driving for several years and have some insights on using the air conditioning. Don't rush to turn on the cold air after starting the car; waiting until the engine warms up before activating the AC system saves more fuel. In summer, first open the windows to ventilate for a few minutes, then press the AUTO button to set it around 25 degrees Celsius—medium fan speed is comfortable and energy-efficient. Use the external circulation for fresh air on highways, and switch to internal circulation in city traffic to reduce exhaust fumes. Replace the filter every six months to prevent dust buildup and foul odors. In winter, wait until the water temperature gauge reaches the middle before turning on the heater, setting it to 22 degrees to avoid dryness. Turn off the AC a few minutes before parking to let the condensation evaporate, extending its lifespan. This method has proven highly effective—long-lasting AC use without extra costs.
