Should the car AC switch be turned on in winter?

[LilaLynn]

The car AC switch does not need to be turned on when using the air conditioning in winter, but it should be turned on when using the cold air in summer. Turning on the AC switch will consume a certain amount of fuel. Here are the relevant details: 1. Car air conditioning cooling actually uses a compressor to compress the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which is then cooled and delivered into the car via the blower. After turning on the air conditioning compressor, the engine load increases, and the car's fuel consumption also rises. 2. The role of the AC switch: (1) When using the heater, the air conditioning compressor is not required. The blower simply blows some of the engine's heat into the car, and no additional fuel is consumed. If the AC button is pressed while using the air conditioning in winter, although it won't affect the heating function, it will prolong the time it takes for the engine coolant to warm up and increase the car's fuel consumption. (2) If fog appears on the car windows when using the heater in winter, the AC switch must be turned on to defog the windows quickly.

[SanAaliyah]

Having driven for decades, I truly understand the necessity of using the AC switch in winter. Last year during the bitter cold, while the car interior was warm, the windows fogged up, blurring visibility like a layer of gauze. Turning on the AC dehumidification function, as soon as the compressor kicked in, it quickly dried the air, dissipating the fog and instantly clearing the view. This is crucial for driving safety—otherwise, poor visibility can easily lead to accidents. Fuel consumption may increase slightly, but compared to saving lives, this minor cost is negligible. I recommend not waiting for fog to appear before turning it on; instead, activate the AC’s auxiliary dehumidification function right away. Additionally, regular operation of the AC system helps prevent component aging and damage, extending its lifespan. Also, choosing the appropriate recirculation or fresh air mode ensures clean air inside the car.

[McCharlotte]

As a frugal person, I'm very particular about using the car's air conditioning in winter. On dry and sunny days, I keep it off to save fuel and be eco-friendly; but during rainy or snowy humid weather, I always turn it on to prevent fogging. The AC's dehumidification function keeps windows clear, reducing driving risks. Normally, the defrost button automatically activates the AC - I turn it off immediately after achieving the desired effect. I recommend maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature to avoid excessive warm air causing moisture buildup. For system maintenance, briefly run the AC for a few minutes monthly to prevent freezing. This balances safety and efficiency, making life easier once it becomes routine.

[LeAndres]

I usually drive my kids to and from school, and in winter, I always turn on the AC to prevent fogging. With many people exhaling moisture inside the car, the windows tend to get blurry, making it hard to see the road conditions. Turning on the AC quickly dehumidifies the air, restoring clear visibility and ensuring the safety of the whole family. It's easy to operate—just press the defog button, and the system automatically activates the compressor. For better results, remember to direct the vents toward the windshield. Long-term use doesn’t harm the AC components; instead, it helps lubricate and prevent rust. Don’t worry about fuel consumption—brief usage has minimal impact. A quick tip: Warm up the car first in the morning and then turn on the AC for a few seconds to keep the system running smoothly.