How to Turn on Car Air Conditioning in Winter?
3 Answers
Method to turn on car air conditioning in winter: First start the engine, wait until the water temperature gauge needle reaches the middle position, then turn on the heater, set the air circulation to external circulation mode to allow air exchange between the inside and outside of the vehicle. After waiting for 2 to 3 minutes, switch the air circulation to internal circulation mode, and the interior temperature will rise quickly. Functions of the car air conditioning system: 1. It can control the temperature inside the car, providing a comfortable environment for drivers and passengers; 2. It can intake fresh air to achieve ventilation; 3. It can expel moisture from the car, enabling air circulation between the inside and outside of the vehicle; 4. It can filter dust and impurities from the air, purifying the interior environment.
I often encounter this issue during my daily commute. The method for warming up with the car heater in winter is quite simple. After starting the car, don't turn on the heater immediately—wait a few minutes for the engine to warm up and the temperature gauge needle to start rising before operating. Then, rotate the temperature control knob to the heating zone (the red side) and adjust the fan speed. It's advisable to start with a lower setting to avoid blowing cold air initially. The best air distribution mode is the mixed setting that blows air to both the feet and the windshield, which defogs quickly without freezing your toes. You usually don't need to touch the A/C switch because the heating relies on the engine's waste heat, not the air conditioning compressor. If the windows fog up severely and can't be cleared, then turning on the A/C can enhance dehumidification. Remember to use the fresh air (external circulation) mode more often—recirculation heats up faster but tends to make the air stuffy. Also, here's a pro tip for warming up the car: I prefer parking in a sheltered, sunny spot, which helps the car warm up two to three minutes faster after a cold start.
Driving my dad's old car has taught me some valuable lessons, especially about using the heater in winter. The key is timing. When the engine is cold at startup, turning on the heater immediately just draws in chilly air. I usually wait until the coolant temperature gauge reaches the first quarter mark before activating the fan. Only then does rotating the red temperature dial produce warm air. Start with fan speed at level 2, then gradually increase it once the vents begin blowing hot air. Pay special attention to vent direction - setting it to simultaneous upward and downward airflow works best, preventing windshield fogging while keeping feet warm. On frosty or snowy days, I remotely start the car ten minutes early to preheat it. The cabin air filter in older cars needs replacement every six months, otherwise the heater blows dusty-smelling air. While recirculation mode heats up faster, I switch back to fresh air mode every twenty minutes for ventilation.
