How to Use the Car Air Conditioner in Winter?
3 Answers
Here are the methods for using the car air conditioner in winter: 1. Do not turn on the heater immediately after starting the car in winter. 2. First, start the engine to warm it up. When the engine temperature gauge reaches the middle position, turn on the heater and set the air circulation to external circulation. 3. Allow the cold air inside the car to be expelled for 2 to 3 minutes, then switch the air circulation to internal circulation. Below are some precautions for using the heater inside the car: 1. Do not direct the air vents toward people when using the heater, as this can dry out the skin more easily. 2. It is recommended to keep the windows slightly open to allow some air circulation. 3. You can use a car humidifier inside the vehicle.
Back when I used my family car to shuttle the kids around, winter mornings were so cold I'd shiver getting in. I'd start the engine and let it warm up for a few minutes first, then press the AUTO button on the AC to let the system adjust automatically—saved me the hassle of manual fiddling. I'd set the temperature around 22°C; nice and warm so the kids could sleep soundly. Then I'd adjust the fan speed to avoid blasting air directly, which dries out the skin, while also turning on a bit of fresh air circulation to prevent stuffiness. After a few minutes, I'd switch back to recirculation to maintain the temperature. Don’t forget to check if the windows fog up—if they do, crank up the heat and aim it at the windshield. Safety first! I also made sure to regularly maintain the AC filter; too much grime affects heating efficiency and hurts fuel economy. In winter, pre-warming the car and setting the temperature beforehand is key—don’t wait until you're stuck in traffic to regret not preparing.
I drive an energy-efficient car and have developed habits to save fuel and electricity. In winter, I avoid mishandling the car's heating system. After starting the engine, I wait for it to warm up and for the coolant temperature gauge to reach the middle position before turning on the heater to avoid wasting fuel. I set the fan speed to the lowest level and gradually increase the temperature—20 degrees Celsius is warm enough, and higher settings put unnecessary strain on the engine. I also switch between recirculation and fresh air modes: using recirculation more on highways to retain warmth and switching to fresh air in city traffic to reduce pollution. Before parking, I turn off the heater early to cool down the system and reduce wear on components. Additionally, I clean the cabin air filter monthly, as accumulated dust increases energy consumption. Following these practices, my car's heating system has remained in excellent condition for years!
