Should the AC be turned on in a car during winter?
2 Answers
In winter, there is no need to turn on the AC in a car, as it is the switch for the air conditioning compressor. In summer, using the air conditioning requires pressing the AC button to activate the cold air. However, the warm air utilizes the car's internal heat circulation and does not require the air conditioning compressor to be turned on. To use the warm air, simply adjust the air conditioning buttons. When the car starts, the engine begins to warm up. Wait until the engine temperature gauge needle points to the middle position, then turn on the warm air conditioning and set the air circulation to external circulation to expel the cold air inside the car. After 2 to 3 minutes, switch the air circulation to internal circulation. When there is a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car, the front windshield is prone to fogging. Simply adjust the warm air outlet direction to the position that blows air onto the front windshield.
Should you turn on the AC when using the car heater in winter? With over a decade of driving experience, I’ve found it absolutely necessary to use the AC. The AC isn’t just for summer—it helps dehumidify and prevent fogging, ensuring clear visibility. Especially in damp, cold weather, windows tend to fog up, obstructing your view. Turning on the AC activates the compressor to remove moisture, then blows warm air, which clears fog incredibly fast. This eliminates the hassle of manually wiping the windshield and enhances driving safety. Although using the AC consumes slightly more fuel, the trade-off for avoiding potential accidents is well worth it. In auto-climate mode, simply press AUTO to set the temperature, and the system balances everything automatically—no need to micromanage. My advice: make it a habit not to rush turning off the AC during cold starts; wait a few seconds for temperature stabilization. Don’t sacrifice visibility just to save a bit of fuel.