Should You Turn on AC When Using Car Air Conditioning in Hot Weather?
3 Answers
When using car air conditioning in hot weather, you should turn on the AC. The AC is the switch for the air conditioning compressor. Pressing the AC button activates the cooling system of the air conditioning compressor. The function of the car AC button: It adjusts and controls the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow state inside the car cabin. The location of the car AC button is below the display screen. How to use the car AC button: 1. Start the car engine; 2. Turn on the car AC button; 3. Rotate the fan button to adjust the airflow and select the cooling or heating intensity. Components of the car air conditioning cooling system: compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, evaporator, and blower.
When it's hot, I always turn on the AC button when driving because the car feels like a steamer, and it's unbearable without cooling. The core of using air conditioning is to make the compressor work to produce cold air. If you only use the fan, it still blows hot air, which is much less effective. With over 20 years of driving experience, I know that not using the AC in high summer temperatures can easily lead to heatstroke or fatigued driving, which is a major safety hazard. I recommend opening the windows for a few minutes before getting in the car to let the hot air out, then starting the AC and closing the windows. Setting the temperature between 22-26°C is ideal—too low not only wastes fuel but may also cause a cold. Also, remember to turn on the recirculation mode, as it makes cooling more efficient and doesn’t overburden the engine. Not using the AC for long periods can lead to dust buildup in the system, so regularly cleaning the air filter is important to avoid odors affecting the ride experience. Safety comes first—saving a little fuel isn’t worth the risk.
As a fuel-conscious car owner, I believe the AC should be used judiciously in hot weather, though it's often necessary. Running the AC engages the compressor, slightly increasing fuel consumption, but it's actually more fuel-efficient than driving with windows down due to reduced aerodynamic drag—especially on highways. Studies show that driving above 60 km/h with windows open consumes more fuel. My advice is to blast the AC briefly for rapid cooling, then switch to low fan speed or turn it off, using natural airflow to maintain temperature. Alternate between recirculation and fresh air modes—for example, expel hot air with fresh air mode at startup, then switch to recirculation to trap cool air. This balances comfort and eco-friendliness while prolonging system life. Remember to inspect the cabin filter monthly; replace it when dirty to ensure optimal airflow. Well-maintained AC systems operate efficiently and resist breakdowns.
