What is the correct way to turn on the car air conditioner?
3 Answers
Correct methods for turning on the car air conditioner are as follows: 1. Air conditioning cooling. Turn on both the internal circulation and A/C (compressor switch) simultaneously to prevent external dirty air from entering the car. Turning on the internal circulation after starting the air conditioner in summer can also help the temperature inside the car drop quickly, but it should not be left on for too long. 2. Air conditioning heating. Turn off the A/C (compressor switch). In A/C mode, since the car air conditioner compressor is always in operation, it will inevitably increase fuel consumption and engine load. When using the heater, the A/C switch must be turned off to prevent the compressor from running while using the heater, which would cause additional fuel consumption.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I've mastered some summer AC tricks: First, let the engine idle for a minute after starting to stabilize operation. On extremely hot days, don't rush to turn on the AC—I open all windows briefly to release hot air, then close them before pressing AUTO. Set temperature around 24°C with automatic fan speed. In winter, delay heating until the coolant gauge reaches normal level before adjusting airflow. Remember to regularly toggle recirculation mode—use internal circulation in traffic to prevent exhaust fumes, as prolonged external circulation causes stale air and dizziness. Always inspect cabin filters during maintenance for fresh air and comfortable long trips. These small habits collectively extend AC lifespan.
As a car enthusiast, I appreciate the details of the air conditioning system: the compressor starts working immediately after ignition, and pressing the AUTO button enables automatic temperature and fan speed control. Setting an ideal value like 25°C allows the car's system to intelligently adjust the airflow intensity and cooling/heating level. Manual mode is also available, where the air volume button controls the intake airflow. The key is not to forget switching between internal and external circulation—use internal circulation in city traffic to reduce pollution, and external circulation on highways for better ventilation. It's recommended to regularly maintain the filter to prevent bacterial growth and respiratory issues. In summer, open the windows to dissipate heat before driving to avoid blasting cold air immediately, which actually makes cooling faster and more efficient. Overall, automatic air conditioning is incredibly convenient, saving both effort and worry.
