What does the AST button in the car mean?
4 Answers
The AST on the car CD refers to automatic-broadcast-station-storage, which means automatic station memory. Using this button, the radio can automatically search and store stations. Here are other buttons on the car CD and their functions: 1. POWER/VOL (left rotary knob): Press to turn on/off, rotate to adjust volume. 2. TPK/MANU (right rotary knob): MP3 track selection and browsing. 3. RPT: Repeat playback in CD/USB mode.
I remember when I first saw that AUTO button in the car, as a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I initially found it mysterious. Later, I learned that it's the switch for the automatic air conditioning mode. Once pressed, the system automatically senses the temperature and humidity inside and outside the vehicle, adjusting the fan speed and air temperature to reach your set target temperature. For example, setting it to 24°C in summer and 20°C in winter will blow cool or warm air to achieve comfort. The fan speed adapts automatically, so no need to worry about it being too noisy; you can also manually intervene, like lowering the speed if the airflow feels too strong. Additionally, the system automatically switches between recirculation and fresh air modes, but if you're stuck in city traffic, I recommend manually switching to recirculation to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the cabin. This button really makes driving more worry-free, especially on long trips, allowing you to focus on the road without distractions from adjusting the AC.
As an enthusiast who frequently researches car features, I consider the AUTO button to be the intelligent brain of a car's air conditioning system. When activated, the computer takes over the AC operation based on sensor data, automatically controlling fan speed, cooling/heating intensity, and compressor activation to efficiently maintain your set comfort temperature. Through daily driving, I've found that simply pressing the AUTO button after setting the temperature allows the system to optimize responses quickly; airflow may vary from high to low, but this reflects energy-saving performance. Operation tip: First adjust the temperature knob to the desired setting, then press the button to enable auto mode. During extreme weather like high temperatures, manually increasing fan speed beforehand can accelerate cooling. Another key point is monitoring air recirculation mode – automatic switching might not be timely enough, so manually selecting internal circulation prevents polluted air intake. Overall, this automatic function enhances both energy efficiency and comfort.
I just bought a car recently and didn’t understand the AUTO button at first. Simply put, it’s the mode button for automatic air conditioning adjustment. Press it, and the system automatically controls the fan speed and air temperature based on the cabin temperature and your set target value. For example, if you set it to 22°C, it blows cool air when it’s hot and warm air when it’s cold. The fan speed adjusts automatically, so I don’t have to manually tweak it all the time—pretty convenient. My first mistake was pressing the button without setting the temperature first, which resulted in uncomfortable cold air. Now I’ve learned: adjust the temperature first after getting in the car, then press AUTO. Newcomers should note that the fan speed might be a bit loud initially, but manual fine-tuning can reduce noise. Also, when driving on smoggy days, I manually set it to recirculation mode to prevent dirty outside air from entering. These experiences make me feel the AUTO button is a handy assistant for basic automatic functions.
