Should You Turn on the AC When Using Car Air Conditioning in Summer?
4 Answers
When using car air conditioning in summer, you should turn on the AC, as it is the cooling switch of the car's air conditioning system. If the AC button is not pressed, the air conditioning will not cool. Pressing the AC button activates the car's air conditioning cooling function, at which point the compressor clutch engages, and the engine drives the compressor to operate. The compressor then continuously compresses the refrigerant and delivers it to the evaporator. Car air conditioning is used to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow within the car cabin to a suitable state, providing a comfortable riding environment for passengers, reducing travel fatigue, and creating good working conditions for the driver. It plays an important role in ensuring safe driving.
I've been driving for over a decade. In summer, running the car AC without turning on the compressor is just wasteful - the fan only blows hot air without any cooling effect. The AC switch activates the compressor for real cooling. Not using AC in extreme heat can lead to driver fatigue or heatstroke; I've seen people pass out from heat in cars. For optimal AC efficiency, first open windows briefly to vent hot air before closing them and setting AC to around 25°C - this cools faster and saves fuel. Avoid immediately setting it to maximum cooling as that wastes gas. Remember to regularly maintain the AC system by replacing filters or recharging refrigerant to prevent breakdowns. Leaving the AC system unused for long periods can cause clogs and bigger problems.
As a daily driver, I always turn on the AC in summer, otherwise the car gets too stuffy to drive. But using AC consumes fuel, so I aim for balance: after starting the car, I roll down the windows for a minute or two to let the hot air escape before closing them and pressing the AC button to start cooling. I set the temperature to a moderate 24°C to avoid excessive energy consumption. This way, the AC cools efficiently, keeping the car comfortably cool without wasting gas. When using AC, I ensure the car is well-sealed to prevent drafts and regularly clean the AC filter to save fuel. Simply using hot air without AC is not beneficial.
I enjoy delving into automotive technology, and turning on the AC is a crucial step when using the air conditioning in summer. The AC button controls the operation of the compressor, which circulates refrigerant to absorb heat and produce cool air. Without activating the AC, the fan can only blow natural or warm air, failing to lower the temperature. Engaging the AC slightly increases engine load, but this is normal. Ensure the system has sufficient refrigerant for efficient operation; neglecting to use it may lead to compressor seizure or refrigerant leaks. Setting a reasonable temperature with the AC on helps maintain comfort.
