How to Turn on the Car Air Conditioner for Warm Air?

[LeDelaney]

Methods to turn on the car air conditioner for warm air: 1. First, turn on the ignition, then turn off the AC button, and start the vehicle to allow the engine to warm up until the coolant temperature reaches around 60°C. Note that after turning on the warm air, initially use the external circulation mode, then switch to internal circulation after a few minutes to maintain the interior temperature. Adjust the air volume and direction to a comfortable position, and set the temperature control to the red zone where you feel comfortable, and warm air will come out of the vents. 2. Press the AUTO button on the air conditioner and set the temperature to your desired level. The air conditioner will automatically adjust to maintain the temperature within the set range.

[MacHaven]

After starting the car, don't rush to turn on the air conditioning. Wait until the engine coolant temperature reaches the middle position, so that the air blown out will be warm enough. I usually turn the temperature knob to the red zone first, then adjust the fan speed to a comfortable level by turning it to the right. Remember to turn off the A/C button, as it's for cooling. Choose the right air vent direction—in winter, it's best to direct the airflow to the feet or both the feet and the windshield. This keeps the whole body warm and prevents fogging. If the windshield is already fogged up, just increase the fan speed. Using recirculation mode heats up the cabin faster, but remember to switch to fresh air mode every half hour to ventilate, otherwise the air inside will get stuffy. Don't set the temperature too high either; around 24°C is most comfortable, as higher temperatures can make you drowsy while driving. For long trips, bring a bottle of water, as prolonged use of the heater can dry out your throat.

[LeAdam]

Before turning on the heater, I always check the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle hasn't reached the midpoint, the AC won't work effectively since the heating system relies entirely on engine heat. After starting the car, don't immediately turn on the AC - first activate the external air circulation to expel cold air from the cabin. Wait until the coolant temperature rises before adjusting: turn the temperature control knob directly to the red zone without pressing the A/C button (this is crucial). Select floor vent mode as heat naturally rises to fill the cabin. Set higher fan speed initially, then reduce it once the interior warms up. Newer cars with automatic climate control simply require pressing AUTO and setting the desired temperature. Winter defogging is essential - immediately activate defog mode when windshield fogging occurs, which works much faster than wiping the glass. If there's unpleasant odor from the AC, remember to regularly replace the cabin air filter - a task that takes just three minutes to DIY.

[HenryDella]

In winter, start the engine first and rub your hands to warm up during the warm-up period. Wait until the coolant temperature gauge rises to the midpoint before turning on the heater. Simply rotate the red temperature control knob on the air conditioning panel, but avoid pressing the A/C button. Select the foot vent mode for the airflow, as the warm air will rise through your pant legs. Start with the fan speed at level 3 or 4 and set the temperature around 23°C. Using the recirculation mode heats up the cabin faster, but switch to fresh air mode every 20 minutes for ventilation. Pay special attention to the windshield; if fogging occurs, immediately activate the front defroster. On highways, avoid setting the temperature too high—above 26°C may cause drowsiness. If there are passengers in the back seat, turn on the rear air conditioning as well. For older vehicles with weak heating, remember to check the coolant level.

[MacCassidy]

I usually set up the air conditioning before starting the vehicle. After starting the engine, I observe the coolant temperature gauge—using the heater when the engine is cold actually consumes more fuel. Wait until the needle reaches the middle position before operating: first turn off the A/C light, rotate the temperature knob to the far right red zone, and set the fan speed to level 2-3. Select the air outlet mode combining footwell and defrost. The recommended temperature range is 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, about 15 degrees higher than the outdoor temperature for optimal comfort. For automatic air conditioning, simply press AUTO and set the desired temperature. On long drives, be cautious of cabin dryness—placing a damp towel near the air vent works well. Regularly open the engine compartment to check if the coolant level is normal, as this directly affects heating performance. If you detect a burning smell, seek immediate repair—it might indicate excessive dust accumulation in the cabin air filter.