Should You Turn on AC When Driving in Winter?
2 Answers
You don't need to turn on the AC when using the car heater in winter. This is because the warm air comes from the heat generated by the engine during operation. After the engine's cooling system dissipates heat from the engine, a fan directs this heat into the car's interior to create warm air. The AC button controls the air conditioning compressor. The car's heating system in winter recycles waste heat and doesn't consume additional fuel, so there's no need to activate the air conditioning compressor. Here's more information about car air conditioning systems: 1. A car's air conditioning system consists of a refrigeration system, heating system, air purification device, and control system. 2. The car air conditioning can regulate the temperature inside the cabin, both heating and cooling the air to maintain a comfortable temperature level.
With over 30 years of driving experience, I've learned there's actually quite an art to using AC in winter. Many people think the AC is just for cooling in summer, but during cold weather, I often keep it on because it helps dehumidify and defog the windows – fogged-up windows can be extremely dangerous, especially with poor visibility in rain or snow. Pressing the AC button activates the compressor to dry the air, keeping the glass clear. However, when temperatures drop extremely low, say below -10°C, running the AC puts extra load on the engine and burns more fuel, so it's better to turn it off and just use the heater. Regularly using the AC also prevents compressor seizure and extends the system's lifespan. Bottom line: safety comes first – I recommend turning it on during humid conditions and using it sparingly in dry cold.
