
The method to turn on the air conditioning in a Excelle is: 1. Press the "climate" button on the center console panel or tap the air conditioning icon on the entertainment main screen to enter the air conditioning setting interface; 2. Adjust the fan speed level and air outlet mode via the air conditioning buttons or corresponding icons in the air conditioning setting interface. Taking the 2021 Buick Excelle as an example, its body structure is a 4-door, 5-seater sedan, with body dimensions of: length 4609mm, width 1798mm, height 1464mm, wheelbase 2640mm, fuel tank capacity 44L, and curb weight 1270kg.

I drive a 2021 Excelle. After starting the engine, I just press the 'AUTO' button on the center console, and the air conditioning turns on automatically. The display in the middle of the dashboard then shows the set temperature, usually defaulting to around 24°C. To adjust the temperature, I swipe my finger over the silver knob in the temperature control area—turning it clockwise increases the heat, and counterclockwise makes it cooler. To change the fan speed, I push the fan button on the right upwards to increase the airflow. On rainy days, remember to press the defogger button, which is the one with a fan-shaped icon on the far right of the AC panel—it works really well. Also, during long traffic jams, it's best to turn on the recirculation mode by pressing the button on the left side of the panel with an arrow inside a car, so exhaust fumes won’t get inside.

When I first got the car, I didn't know how to use the air conditioning either. After some exploration, I found the Excelle's AC controls to be particularly simple. After starting the car, locate the AC panel below the center console screen, which has four round knobs. The left knob adjusts temperature, the middle two control airflow direction and fan speed, while the right one is the power button with defog function. In summer, open windows for ventilation for two minutes before pressing AUTO, then close windows after cabin temperature drops. Avoid setting temperature below 22°C to prevent excessive fuel consumption and catching cold. In winter, remember to turn off AC button before using heater to avoid unnecessary compressor operation. Always turn off AC five minutes before parking to prevent mold growth and odors in the ducts.

The simplest way to operate the air conditioning in a Excelle is to directly press the AUTO button to activate automatic mode. My routine is pressing twice after starting the car: first press AUTO to turn on the AC, then hit the defog button beside it to quickly clear windshield fog. The temperature control knob is on the right side of the driver's seat, easily located by touch. For long drives, I prefer directing vents upward so cooled air descends more comfortably. Remember the recirculation button is left of the temperature knob - always switch to recirculation mode during smoggy days. Regularly check the cabin air filter, as airflow noticeably weakens when it's clogged.

Last time I rode in my friend's newly purchased Excelle, I specifically studied the air conditioning system and found the automatic AC configuration quite intelligent. After starting the vehicle, the dashboard powers on, then locate the button with three arrows circling an 'A' in the AC control area below the center console - pressing it activates auto mode. The dual-zone design is very practical, allowing separate temperature settings for driver and passenger. Remember to press the AC button to activate the compressor when cooling, while in winter turn off AC to utilize engine heat. A hidden tip: holding the recirculation button for 5 seconds initiates self-cleaning. It's recommended to run maximum airflow for 3 minutes monthly to prevent mold growth in AC ducts.

As an owner of the older Excelle model, I can operate the air conditioning with my eyes closed. After turning the key to power on, look at the knob on the far right of the center console—the one with the snowflake icon is the cooling setting. The newer models have more intuitive buttons: the left temperature knob has red and blue indicators, the middle fan speed adjustment shows 1-4 gears, and the right side integrates the defrost button with the AC button. A practical tip is to first turn on the external circulation on hot days to expel the hot air before switching to internal circulation for cooling. If you encounter odor issues, turn off the AC before shutting down the engine and let the fan continue running for a minute to evaporate the condensation water, which can extend the compressor's lifespan by over five years.


