
On the control panel of a driving school car, there is an air conditioning switch. Press the AC button, turn on the fan switch, and rotate the temperature control knob to the blue side for cold air. Adjust the fan speed and set the temperature. Rotate the temperature control knob to the red side and turn on the fan switch for hot air. Reasons why driving school cars do not use air conditioning: Air conditioning affects vehicle power: Trainees need to complete training exercises by controlling the clutch and brake while maintaining low speed. Turning on the air conditioning consumes part of the vehicle's output power, which can easily lead to insufficient power. This may cause the vehicle to stall during certain exercises. Air conditioning affects training efficiency: Trainees need to constantly adjust their positions to avoid crossing lines. In the initial stages of practice, they may even need to lean out of the window to check reference points. If the air conditioning is on, frequent opening and closing of windows will reduce training efficiency. Additionally, during the second phase of training, instructors often guide trainees from outside the car. With the air conditioning on, quick communication between the instructor and trainee becomes difficult. Air conditioning changes clutch operation: When the air conditioning is on, the clutch engagement point differs from when it is off. Since the air conditioning is not used during the official test, it is also avoided during training. Air conditioning increases carbon monoxide levels: At low speeds, incomplete fuel combustion can lead to higher carbon monoxide concentrations inside the car, making trainees feel fatigued more easily.

Having been a driving instructor for so many years, helping students familiarize themselves with the car console is second nature to me. The air conditioning switch is usually located in the central area of the dashboard. Look carefully for the small button labeled 'A/C' or with a snowflake icon—some models might integrate it into the temperature adjustment knob. After starting the car, press it to activate the cold air. During lessons, I always emphasize to beginners not to distract themselves by searching for the switch while driving—it's too dangerous. In summer, high temperatures can easily lead to fatigue, so turning on the air conditioning in advance helps maintain focus. Training cars vary widely in model, but the button placement in older Jettas or newer Santanas is generally consistent. Practice a few times, and it’ll stick in your mind. Familiarizing yourself with the dashboard layout is crucial for driving safety—don’t overlook this small detail.

I still vividly remember those days when I was learning to drive. During the first few times in the car, I always struggled to locate the switches. The training cars usually had manual air conditioning, with the button positioned at the lower right corner of the main console, marked by a clear snowflake symbol or the letters A/C. I made the silly mistake of starting the car and suffering from the heat for a long time before the instructor taught me to glance at the panel before operating anything. Now, I advise beginners: don't rush to shift gears after getting in the car; first, locate the air conditioning switch and try the feel of the air volume knob next to it. When learning to drive, attention is often divided, so finding this button can help you easily cope with hot weather. Turning on the air conditioning can also help defog the windows, killing two birds with one stone. In daily car use, I often remind friends to check if the buttons are worn to avoid minor issues interfering with practice.

Auto repair work often involves training vehicles, where common faults with the A/C switch include stuck buttons or faded labels. The standard position is on the center console near the driver's side, marked with A/C or a clear icon. During repairs, it's found that some vehicles accumulate dust over time, causing button malfunctions, which can often be resolved with simple cleaning. Operating a standard switch is straightforward: start the engine and press the button to activate the cold air. If learners encounter non-functioning switches, they should avoid randomly pressing buttons and instead check for blown fuses or loose circuits, which can save time. For daily maintenance, it's recommended to periodically spray cleaning agents to prevent oxidation, especially for frequently used training vehicles.


