How to Turn on the Car Air Conditioner in Winter?
3 Answers
Methods for turning on the car air conditioner in winter: 1. Do not turn on the heater immediately after starting the vehicle in winter; 2. First, start the engine to warm it up. Wait until the engine temperature gauge reaches the middle position, then turn on the warm air conditioning. At the same time, set the air circulation to external circulation to expel the cold air inside the car. After waiting for 2 to 3 minutes, switch the air circulation to internal circulation. Things to note when using the heater inside the car: 1. Do not direct the air vents at people when using the heater, as this can dry out the skin more easily; 2. It is recommended to half-open the window to allow some air circulation; 3. A car humidifier can be used inside the vehicle. The AC button is the switch for the air conditioning compressor. In summer, turning on the AC button activates the cold air, while the warm air only utilizes the internal heat cycle of the car and does not require the air conditioning compressor to be turned on. Therefore, to use the warm air, simply adjust the air conditioning buttons without pressing the AC switch.
Turning on the air conditioner in winter is mainly for defogging and keeping warm. After getting in the car, start the engine first and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the engine and radiator. Operate the system only after the coolant temperature gauge shows normal readings. Adjust the temperature knob to the red zone or set it above 20°C to allow warm air to come out. Then turn on the fan, setting the speed to low or medium to avoid noise, and adjust the vent direction to the windshield position for defogging. If the windows fog up severely, immediately increase the fan speed to blow directly onto the glass. In winter, there's generally no need to press the A/C button unless the humidity is too high, in which case it can be turned on for dehumidification—otherwise, it wastes fuel. The engine's heat is sufficient. Remember to check the air conditioning system before each drive and replace the filter regularly to prevent mold and odors. This way of operation not only ensures quick and safe defogging but also saves fuel.
My driving habit is to start the engine first, wait for it to run for a while until the water temperature rises before turning on the air conditioning. I set the temperature higher, around 28°C for warmth. Once the fan is on, the airflow is strong, specifically directed at the windshield to defog. If the air feels dry or the recirculation mode causes fogging, I switch to fresh air mode or occasionally turn on the A/C to speed up dehumidification. Saving fuel in winter is crucial, so I avoid frequently using the A/C and only turn it on when necessary. Regular maintenance of the air conditioning can prevent odors. Be cautious not to set the temperature too high as it may cause discomfort; a moderate setting is best. Safe driving starts with attention to details.
