Air conditioning in winter: Luxury or necessity?
Many drivers treat the "A/C" button as a rescue only for summer heat. When the temperature drops, the system is set aside. This is a mistake that can cost not only money but also safety. Why should the "air conditioning" work in December and January as well? Here is a complete guide.
1. Visibility is key: Fighting fog on the windows
In winter, moisture is everywhere – we bring it into the car on shoes, jackets, and the air itself is saturated with it. The result? Fogged-up windows that drastically reduce visibility.
- Rapid drying: Air conditioning not only cools but primarily dries the air. Thanks to this, the windows defog much faster than using just hot air.
- No more wiping: Using air conditioning eliminates the need to manually wipe the windows with a sponge or cloth while driving. Such actions not only distract but sometimes force the driver to unbuckle, which creates a direct hazard.
- Long-lasting effect: Regular removal of moisture from the air prevents the windows from fogging up again during the trip.
2. Savings through use: How not to damage the compressor
Paradoxically, trying to save fuel by turning off the air conditioning in winter exposes you to much higher repair costs. The mechanics of this system do not like inactivity.
- Lubrication issue: A special oil is dissolved in the refrigerant. It is responsible for lubricating the compressor and sealing the entire system.
- Risk of "seizing": The oil circulates only when the air conditioning is running. Prolonged non-use of the system leads to separation of the refrigerant from the oil. The result is drying of seals and corrosion of the friction parts of the compressor clutch.
- Expensive repairs: Regularly running the system prevents compressor seizure. Replacing it costs several thousand złoty, while repairing leaks caused by lack of lubrication costs from 200 to 800 zł.
Worth knowing: Fuel consumption with the air conditioning on increases by about 0.3 to 1.5 liters per hour of operation. However, this cost is incomparably lower than the cost of system repairs.
3. Healthy air in the cabin: Stop fungi and smog
Air conditioning in winter cares not only for the car but also for the health of passengers.
- Fighting moisture: Moisture penetrating the upholstery promotes rotting of interior elements. Drying the air with air conditioning limits the growth of fungi, mold, and bacteria in the ventilation system and inside the car materials.
- Barrier against pollution: A functioning cabin filter traps smog and other pollutants, which is crucial during the heating season when outdoor air quality drops.
4. Operating instructions: How to use air conditioning in frost?
You don’t have to drive with the air conditioning on all day. To keep the system efficient, just follow a few simple rules:
- The 15-minute rule: It is recommended to run the air conditioning at least once a week for about 15 minutes. This is enough to lubricate the system.
- Smart systems: Remember that at temperatures below 5°C, the compressor may not turn on. This is a deliberate manufacturer safeguard against evaporator icing.
- How to handle frost: If the car is very cold, it’s best to first warm the interior with the recirculation mode on, then after a few minutes, turn on the air conditioning.
5. Driver’s calendar: When to visit the service?
Using the system is not everything – it requires regular checks, even if it seems to work properly.
- Inspection frequency: Air conditioning service should be done every year or every 2 years (or every 15,000 km).
- Natural losses: Even in a sealed system, natural refrigerant loss is between 10 and 20 percent annually, which reduces lubrication and cooling efficiency.
- Replacing parts: The cabin filter should be replaced once a year (for your own health), and the dryer about every 3 years.