What does the car AC switch mean?
2 Answers
Car AC switch is the air conditioning switch or compressor switch, which can be understood as air control or air conditioning. It achieves the purpose of cooling or heating through different operation modes of the air conditioning compressor, so AC has dual functions of cooling and heating. In cars, since the heating of the vehicle air conditioning is accomplished by the heat from the engine cooling water and the heating wires of the glass, the AC only has the cooling function. In AC mode, since the vehicle air conditioning compressor is always in working condition, it will inevitably lead to increased fuel consumption and engine load. When using the heater, the AC switch should be turned off to prevent the compressor from running while using the heater, which would cause additional fuel consumption.
The first thing I do every time I drive my kids out is press that AC button. This switch actually controls the car's air conditioning compressor, usually marked with a snowflake symbol. It's essential for cooling in summer—when the compressor starts, it drives the refrigerant cycle to expel the hot air from the car. However, many people don't know that AC should also be turned on in winter for defogging, as the compressor removes moisture from the air, preventing the windshield from fogging up. My family's SUV has been running for five years, and now there's a slight clicking sound when starting the AC. The mechanic said it's the normal sound of the clutch working. Remember, after turning off the AC, the vents blow natural air. I usually keep it on throughout the ride for the elderly and kids in the back, but it does increase fuel consumption by about 0.5 liters.
