Should the AC be turned on in summer?

[LaLilliana]

In summer, the AC should be turned on when using the car air conditioning. It is the cooling switch of the car air conditioning system. If the AC button is not pressed, the air conditioning will not cool. When the AC button is pressed for cooling, the compressor clutch engages, and the engine drives the compressor to operate. The compressor then continuously compresses the refrigerant and delivers it to the evaporator. Introduction to Car AC: The car AC switch, simply put, is the cooling switch for the air conditioning. AC stands for "Air-conditioning," meaning air regulation device. This button controls the activation and deactivation of the compressor, and the cooling function of the car air conditioning relies on the operation of the compressor. Air Conditioning Cooling Principle: The cooling principle of air conditioning is slightly more complex. After pressing the AC button, the compressor clutch engages, and the engine drives the compressor to operate. The compressor continuously compresses the refrigerant and sends it to the evaporator. The refrigerant cools the evaporator, which in turn cools the air blown by the blower, allowing the air conditioning vents to blow cold air.

[MacCharlotte]

In summer, I find it necessary to turn on the air conditioning while driving, as the car cabin can feel like a steamer when it's extremely hot. Without the AC, you'll be drenched in sweat, leading to fatigue and loss of concentration, which could potentially cause accidents. My usual routine is to first roll down the windows for a few minutes to let the hot air escape before starting the AC, setting the temperature around 23-25°C—not too cold nor too hot. For long-distance trips, using the AC to cool down is even more essential. If the interior temperature exceeds 40°C, it becomes unbearable, especially for the elderly and children, increasing the risk of heatstroke. When the AC is on, I occasionally switch between recirculation and fresh air modes—starting with recirculation for quick cooling, then switching to fresh air to reduce humidity and odors inside the car. In short, prioritize safety and comfort over saving fuel or electricity.

[CarterRose]

Considering fuel consumption, I'm very cautious about using the air conditioning in summer. Turning on the AC forces the engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption by 10% or even 20% per 100 kilometers, especially in city traffic jams where it's even more fuel-intensive. I usually only turn on the AC when driving on highways because opening the windows creates more wind resistance, which actually consumes more fuel. In the city, if the temperature isn't too high, I prioritize opening the windows for ventilation. However, when temperatures soar above 35 degrees, I have to turn on the AC—otherwise, I risk dizziness and impaired driving. I set the AC to medium fan speed and around 27 degrees Celsius, which cools the cabin without causing a sharp spike in fuel consumption. Finding that balance is key. Additionally, using recirculation mode saves some energy, but I avoid keeping it on too long to prevent oxygen deprivation. Monitoring the car's real-time fuel consumption display helps me optimize my habits.

[Maxine]

From the perspective of car maintenance, summer is a great time to use the air conditioning. I make sure to use the AC system regularly, otherwise the lubricating oil in the compressor can dry out, leading to potential damage over time. Summer heat is the peak season for AC usage, so I typically turn it on right after starting the car, but I avoid keeping the fan at maximum speed for extended periods to prevent excessive wear. Additionally, I regularly check if the refrigerant is sufficient and replace the cabin air filter every six months to avoid dust buildup, which can reduce cooling efficiency and increase fuel consumption. On extremely hot days, if the AC isn't blowing cold enough, I promptly visit a repair shop to check the pipes or condenser to prevent the issue from worsening. I also use the AC gently—ventilating first before turning it on to avoid sudden high loads that could strain the car. In short, proper usage and maintenance can extend the AC's lifespan.

[VincentMarie]

Taking kids out in summer, turning on the air conditioning is a must. The car gets so hot that children cry nonstop, and elderly passengers might suffer heatstroke. I always pre-cool the car by turning on the AC before driving, setting the temperature to around 25°C for comfort. During extreme heat, I prefer using the automatic AC mode—it adjusts fan speed and temperature on its own, and all I need to do is press the AUTO button. For long trips, I increase the fan speed for faster air exchange but avoid direct airflow to the face to prevent dry, itchy skin. I also use the external circulation mode to refresh the air and reduce odors, especially after parking—ventilate first before turning on the AC. Keeping cool water or wet wipes in the car helps with additional cooling. Maintaining cleanliness and regularly cleaning the AC filter prevents dust allergies.