Should You Turn on AC When Driving in Winter?
2 Answers
You don't need to turn on AC when driving in winter. Here's a detailed introduction to car air conditioning: 1. Cold air is produced by pressurizing the refrigerant through the compressor to liquefy and then vaporize for cooling. 2. Warm air comes from the heat generated by the engine during operation to warm the car interior. 3. The AC button controls the air conditioning compressor - turn it on for cold air but keep it off for warm air. 4. In cold seasons when you need to quickly raise the interior temperature: After starting the car, wait until the engine temperature gauge needle points to the middle position, then first turn on the warm air while setting air circulation to external to expel cold air from the cabin. After 2-3 minutes, switch air circulation to internal.
I pay great attention to safety when driving in winter, and fogged-up windows are the most common issue, which can easily lead to blurred vision and increase the risk of accidents. In such cases, it’s essential to turn on the AC dehumidification and defogging function, as it quickly absorbs moisture and clears the glass. Modern vehicles have well-designed AC systems that consume minimal fuel, and safety is far more important than saving fuel. If the fog is heavy, I keep the AC defogging on until the interior is dry. I also regularly check the air filter and mode settings to ensure the system operates properly, which not only prevents fogging but also protects the interior from mold. Developing good habits, like activating the AC defogging as soon as I start the car, ensures a worry-free driving experience throughout the journey.
