What are the precautions for using car air conditioning correctly?

[DelFrank]

Here are the precautions: 1. Ventilate first, then cool: In hot summer when using the air conditioning, if the temperature inside the car is higher than outside, open the windows for the first few minutes to ventilate and expel the hot air. After the temperature inside the car drops, turn on the air conditioning, close all windows, and switch the air circulation mode to internal circulation. 2. Adjust the air conditioning vent direction correctly: Based on the principle that cold air sinks and hot air rises, the correct approach is to direct the vents upward when cooling and downward when heating. 3. Minimize or avoid using the air conditioning when driving continuously uphill: This is because the engine is under heavy load at this time, and using the air conditioning can cause the engine to overheat.

[LaAshlyn]

I've always believed that using the car air conditioning properly makes driving much more worry-free. The key is to set the temperature safely—not too low or too high, with 22 to 25 degrees being the most comfortable to avoid catching a cold from drastic temperature changes. Before starting the car, open the windows for a few minutes to let out the hot air before turning on the AC, which reduces engine load. Don’t forget to switch between recirculation and fresh air modes: recirculation cools faster and saves fuel, but on long drives, use fresh air to prevent stuffiness. Especially avoid idling with the AC on for too long in parking lots, as it can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Regularly check and replace the cabin air filter every six months to prevent dust from blocking airflow and affecting cooling. On rainy days, use the defogging mode along with the fan to dry out moisture. Before turning off the AC, switch off the A/C button first and let the fan run for a while to dry the vents and prevent mold. During every maintenance check, have the technician verify refrigerant levels to ensure system efficiency. Making these small habits routine keeps the AC durable and promotes good health.