
Changan 55's method to turn on the heater: The air conditioning switch is the knob-style control button on the dashboard. One side is marked in blue for cold air, and the other side is marked in red for warm air. To turn on the heater, rotate the knob toward the red position. The larger the red pattern, the warmer the air, and you can adjust it according to your needs. The heating principle of the car air conditioner: When heating, the high-temperature coolant from the engine flows through the heater core. At this time, the air blown by the blower also passes through the heater core, allowing the car air conditioner vents to blow warm air. The heater core acts as a heat exchanger. Most car air conditioners use R134a refrigerant, which needs to be replaced regularly. If the refrigerant is not replaced for a long time, the car air conditioner's cooling effect will deteriorate, and the cooling speed will slow down.

My experience with the Changan 55's heating system is that you need to start the vehicle first and let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up, as the heating relies on the engine's heat. Then, look at the center console: turn the temperature knob on the right to the red zone (high-temperature symbol), adjust the fan button to increase airflow, and select the mode to prioritize foot-level vents or the front windshield (for defrosting). For automatic air conditioning, press the AUTO button and then adjust the temperature knob to set the heat, avoiding cold air initially to save fuel. Don’t forget to check for blockages in the heater core or pipes—this car heats up quickly within 5 minutes after starting in winter. Developing a warm-up habit can extend the vehicle’s lifespan. Regular maintenance of the cabin air filter also improves heating efficiency. I’ve personally tested this method in sub-zero temperatures—it’s efficient and safe.

The method to turn on the heater is simple: I start the engine and wait for the temperature gauge to rise a bit, then turn the temperature control knob to the high-temperature zone and set the fan speed knob to medium or high. If using automatic air conditioning, press AUTO and directly adjust the temperature setting above 25°C, and the system will automatically blow warm air. Remember to select the mixed airflow mode (blowing both to the front and feet) and avoid using the external circulation too early to prevent cold air from entering the cabin. During actual driving, I found that turning on the heater when the engine is cold is ineffective—it takes about three to four minutes of engine operation. It’s best to check if the cabin is well-sealed to prevent cold air infiltration. This way, driving is warm and hassle-free, ideal for long-distance trips to prevent fatigue.

When using the heating in my Changan 55, I usually start by warming up the engine after starting the vehicle. Then, I turn the temperature knob to the red position and increase the fan speed with the fan button. Selecting the windshield defrost mode helps quickly remove fog, which is ideal for safe driving in rainy or snowy conditions. The warm air starts coming once the engine coolant reaches normal temperature, so don't rush to drive fast. Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is also important to prevent clogging issues.


