Should the AC be turned on in summer?

[DiCali]

In summer, the AC should be turned on. Only when the AC is turned on will the air conditioning system start cooling, sending cold air into the car and achieving a cooling cycle inside the vehicle. The driver can turn off the AC switch when starting or accelerating rapidly, as the air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine and consumes part of the engine's power. Turning off the AC switch can prevent insufficient engine power. The car air conditioning system is not just about the compressor; it also includes components like the condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve. The compressor is one of the main components of the refrigeration system, responsible for compressing and transporting refrigerant vapor. The warm air is generated by the engine's heat and sent into the car through the air conditioning system, creating a heating cycle inside the vehicle to raise the internal temperature.

[StKate]

As a veteran long-distance driver, I must press the AC button when using the air conditioner in summer. This thing is actually the switch for the air conditioning compressor—only when it's turned on will the refrigerant circulate to provide cooling. Don’t be fooled by the temperature knob in the car; if you only turn on the fan without AC, all you get is hot air from the engine compartment. I’ve noticed some people try to save fuel by only using the external air circulation, but they end up sweating through their shirts and even losing grip on the steering wheel due to the heat. In fact, using the AC wisely is more economical: first, open the windows for ventilation for two minutes, then turn on the AC and internal circulation, setting the temperature around 23°C for optimal comfort. On long trips, alternate between internal and external circulation to stay fresh and save a bit of fuel. Oh, and don’t forget to change the cabin air filter regularly—otherwise, even with the AC on, you’ll just get a musty smell.

[MilesRose]

I pay special attention to the air conditioning performance when taking my child out. Without turning on the AC, the vents only blow natural air, which is unbearable under the scorching summer sun. Last week, I tried using just the fan, and my kid's face turned rosy in the back seat while sweat dripped down the back of my neck. After turning on the AC compressor, it became noticeably cooler within three minutes—the dashboard showed an outside temperature of 39°C, but the car interior stabilized at 26°C. Here's a handy tip: don’t rush to turn on the AC right after starting the car; wait until the engine RPM stabilizes. Also, turn off the AC and switch to fan-only mode a bit before reaching your destination to prevent moisture buildup and mold in the ducts. When traveling with kids, avoid directing the vents straight at their heads—using the rear vents ensures more even airflow.

[VanThomas]

Turning on the AC is a basic operation for summer car use, but many people don't understand the principle. Car air conditioning differs from home AC—the AC button directly controls the compressor. I've seen owners set the temperature to the lowest without pressing the AC button, relying solely on external air circulation, only to feel increasingly hotter. Models with automatic air conditioning are more convenient—pressing AUTO directly engages the compressor. Pay special attention: defrosting the windshield requires turning on the AC, as compressor dehumidification is three times faster than blowing hot air alone. However, during prolonged traffic jams, I turn off the AC and open windows for ventilation to prevent engine overheating. Remember to regularly run the AC for maintenance—long periods of disuse can cause refrigerant oil to settle, potentially seizing the compressor.