Air conditioning in the car. How to use?

The air conditioning system is one of the main elements of modern car equipment. Most drivers use it without even thinking if they are doing it right. How to properly use all the functionality of this system?

Vacation has come. Soon, many people will be driving their cars on a journey that, regardless of the length of the route, can be very burdensome. Especially when the temperature with the window goes off scale for a dozen or two degrees and this begins to affect travelers. Before we start the air conditioning in our car, we must learn the general methods of using this system, which will always be useful. Regardless of whether it is manual, automatic (climatronic), multi-zone or any other air conditioner.

Not only in the heat

A serious mistake is to turn on the air conditioner only in hot weather. Why? Because the refrigerant in the system mixes with the oil and ensures that the compressor is properly lubricated. Therefore, the air conditioner should be turned on from time to time to lubricate and preserve the system. In addition, it serves both to cool the air and to dry it. The second of the above functions is perfect for autumn or winter conditions, providing an invaluable help when we have a problem with windows fogging up. When the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius and the air cooling system is turned off, the dehumidification is sure to work perfectly.

With an open window

When sitting in a car that has been standing in the sun for a long time and is very hot, first of all, you should open all the doors for a moment and ventilate the interior. When we start the car (before turning on the air conditioner), we drive several hundred meters with the windows open. Thanks to this, we will cool the car interior to outside temperature without using air conditioning, reduce the load on the compressor and slightly reduce fuel consumption by the car engine. When driving with the air conditioner on, close all windows and open the roof. The fastest way to lower the temperature of the car interior is to set the cooling to automatic mode and internal air circulation inside the car (remember to switch to external air circulation after the passenger compartment has cooled down).

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Not to the max

Never set the air conditioner to maximum cooling. Why? Since the air conditioner compressor is not a typical industrial device and constant operation leads to its rapid wear. So, what is the optimal temperature that we should set on the air conditioner controller? Approximately 5-7°C lower than the thermometer outside the car. So if it is 30°C outside the window of our car, then the air conditioner is set to 23-25°C. It is also worth turning on the automatic mode of operation. If the air conditioner is manually controlled and does not have a temperature gauge, the knobs should be set so that cool, not cold air comes out of the vents. It is important to avoid directing the airflow from the vents towards the driver and passengers, as this can lead to a serious cold.

Mandatory inspection

We must carry out a thorough inspection of the air conditioning system in our vehicle at least once a year. Best of all, in a proven workshop, where they will check the tightness of the system and the condition of the coolant, the mechanical condition of the compressor (for example, the drive), replace the filters and clean the air conditioning pipelines). It is worth asking servicemen to indicate a container for condensate or a water outlet pipe under the car. Thanks to this, we will be able to periodically check the patency of the system or empty it ourselves.

– A properly functioning air conditioner maintains both the right temperature inside the car and the right air quality. Regular checks and maintenance of this system do not allow the development of mold, fungi, mites, bacteria and viruses, which have an extremely negative impact on the health of everyone, especially children and allergy sufferers. Drivers should stop by the service station before summer trips and not put themselves and their fellow travelers in danger and uncomfortable driving, - comments Michal Tochovich, automotive expert of the ProfiAuto network.