What is the function of the rear button on the car air conditioner?
4 Answers
The Rear button on the car air conditioner is for rear windshield defogging. Pressing it will remove fog from the rear windshield. The word "rear" literally means the back or rear part. In the context of car air conditioners, the rear button is actually the rear windshield defogging button. However, many car models now omit the English word "rear" and simply use an icon instead. Below are the types of car air conditioners: 1. By driving method: divided into independent and non-independent types. 2. By air conditioning performance: divided into single-function type and integrated heating and cooling type. 3. By control method: divided into manual type and electronically controlled pneumatic adjustment. 4. By adjustment method: divided into fully automatic adjustment and microcomputer-controlled fully automatic adjustment.
A few days ago, I took my kids out for a trip. With elderly and children sitting in the back seat, I pressed the REAR button. This button specifically controls the rear air conditioning—once pressed, the rear vents start blowing air. In summer, they often complain about the heat in the back, but with this button turned on, the rear seats cool down within five minutes. Some cars even allow independent temperature adjustment for the rear. If your car has a separate rear AC panel, it’s even more convenient. Just remember to turn off the REAR button if no one is sitting in the back, otherwise, it wastes cooling and increases fuel consumption. Many new SUVs now come with this feature—it’s really thoughtful, making family trips much more comfortable without arguments over rear cabin temperature.
I often give colleagues rides after work, and when the car is fully loaded with five people, I pay special attention to the air conditioning performance. The REAR button is specifically designed for rear passengers to control the air conditioning. Pressing it can independently activate or deactivate the rear air vent system. In some car models, holding this button can even unlock the rear independent temperature control function, allowing rear passengers to adjust the airflow themselves. Last time, my boss felt cold in the back, so I simply pressed the REAR button to stop the airflow to his side while keeping the front cool. Remember, this button works the same way when using the heater in winter. If there are no passengers in the back, it's recommended to turn it off to save some fuel since the air conditioning compressor won't have to work as hard.
Last time a friend asked me what the REAR button in my car does—it's actually the rear air conditioning switch. Most family cars have this button, which controls whether the rear air vents blow air when pressed. Some cars feature an independent air conditioning panel on the rear armrest, and the REAR button must be pressed to activate those controls. If children are sitting in the back, turning this on ensures they aren't directly exposed to cold airflow. Note that functions vary by model—some only toggle airflow, while higher-end versions allow for dual-zone temperature control. The owner's manual always details the specific operations, but if you can't find it, pressing the button to test the effect is the most straightforward approach.
