What does the ACMAX button mean?
4 Answers
ACMAX button refers to switching the AC air conditioning to maximum cooling mode based on the standard AC cooling function. It means activating the car's air conditioning system and setting it to the maximum cooling capacity. Below is an introduction to car air conditioning buttons: 1. A/C button: The A/C button is the switch for the air conditioning compressor. Only when the compressor is turned on can the air conditioning provide cooling capability. Otherwise, the air blown into the car will only be natural air from outside, which cannot meet the cooling needs of passengers in summer. 2. Front windshield defrosting and rear windshield defrosting: The fan-shaped symbol with an upward curved arrow and the button engraved with 'front' indicates the front windshield defrosting function, while the button engraved with 'rear' indicates the rear windshield defrosting function. 3. Airflow direction control: An arrow pointing to the head means air is directed upwards; pointing to the feet means air is directed downwards. If there are two arrows, it means air is blown in both directions.
I've been driving ride-hailing for ten years, so I know the AC MAX button best in summer. With one press, the air conditioning goes into combat mode—the fan immediately revs to the highest setting, the cooling reaches maximum intensity, and even the cabin's recirculation mode activates automatically. This design is specifically tailored for cars turned into stuffy ovens after being scorched by the sun, capable of cooling down the seats within three minutes. However, I must remind beginners not to keep it running for too long out of greed for coolness. Not only does it consume 20% more fuel than the normal mode, but prolonged full-load operation of the compressor can easily lead to malfunctions. I usually switch back to auto mode once the temperature drops to 25°C, saving fuel and protecting the AC system. Remember to clean the condenser before summer each year to ensure AC MAX performs at its best.
Last time I took my family on a self-driving trip, I spent a long time figuring out the AC MAX button at the service area. It's actually the super cooling mode of the air conditioning. When pressed, it automatically locks the internal circulation to prevent hot air from entering and runs the blower at full power to output cold air. The biggest difference from normal air conditioning is that it bypasses the temperature control sensor to forcibly output the coldest air, so it cools down particularly quickly. However, the drawbacks are quite obvious: the noise is so loud that it affects listening to music, and prolonged use can easily cause headaches. My experience is to turn it on for 15 minutes before getting on the highway to quickly cool down, and then switch back to 26 degrees with automatic fan speed. Also, note that this mode increases the load on the battery, so older cars should use it with caution.
As an automotive editor who has tested over a hundred vehicles, AC MAX can be understood as the sport mode of air conditioning. Its working principle involves running the compressor at full capacity for cooling while closing the external circulation to prevent hot air from diluting the cold air. The biggest advantage is its performance in 40-degree heat, taking only 90 seconds from startup to reduce the vent temperature to 10 degrees. Practical tests show that German cars cool down the fastest with this function, while Japanese cars are relatively gentler. However, frequent use can accelerate refrigerant consumption, requiring a top-up every two years. It's recommended to pair it with remote start functionality; activating AC MAX remotely five minutes before getting in the car ensures the most comfortable experience.
