It is almost impossible to imagine a modern car without air conditioning or climate control, although some brands still save on this. According to reliable data from SEAT researchers, driving without an air conditioner significantly reduces driver alertness than at a comfortable temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Some experts compare the condition with alcohol intoxication, which over time only worsens the health of the driver and passengers.
An equally important point in the correct use of the air conditioner, since this affects not only the health of the driver and passengers, but also the air conditioning system itself. The most common and most common mistake of using the air conditioner with open windows and doors. The reason for this is simple, many people think that by opening the window, more fresh air will enter the cabin or thereby create a comfortable temperature. As trite as it sounds, SEAT specialists have found many such drivers who have no idea that it is possible to regulate the temperature without opening windows or doors.
The consequences of such a situation are the most commonplace, firstly, you can get a cold in a couple of minutes, and secondly, there is no fuel saving at all, since the air conditioner compressor is constantly in operation, and this will sooner or later lead to becoming unusable. Thus, it is worth understanding the principle of operation of a car air conditioner, and what factors affect its operation.
The second common mistake when using is turning on the air conditioner at full power after getting into a hot car. According to SEAT engineers, turning on the air conditioner in this state, you will not get the desired effect, since it will simply drive hot air through the cabin. In addition, the load on the air conditioner evaporator is maximum.
In this case, it is recommended to open all doors or windows for a few minutes in order to let cool air in (in the hottest weather, the air in a standing closed car is hotter than outside). Only after that close all windows and doors and turn on the air conditioner for cooling.
Disabling air recirculation in the passenger compartment, in this rating it is given the third place. The situation is quite two-faced, as there are air-conditioned cars with an auto function. In this case, the system will independently decide how much to close or open the damper to maintain a certain temperature in the passenger compartment. In the case of manual control, it is recommended to turn on the damper so that a minimum amount of air enters from the outside. As a result, the glass will not fog up, and small cracks on the glass will not grow.
Another mistake drivers make during cold weather. There are situations when the outside temperature is lower than the temperature in the cabin. In this case, it is easier for the driver to turn on the air conditioner, although it would be more correct to open the window. In this way, you will not only save fuel, but also there will be less load on the car engine itself.
Not only beginners make mistakes with air conditioners, experienced drivers also make similar mistakes. An example of this is the 5th mistake, when, after turning on the air conditioner, the air flow is directed to the face of the passengers. It is very easy to get sick in such a situation, especially if you have been in the sun before.
For better air circulation and quick cooling of the passenger compartment, it is recommended to direct the cold air flow from the air conditioner upwards. According to the rules of physics, cold air will descend, thereby mixing with warm air and faster, regularly cooling the cabin.
The last mistake most often made by owners of air-conditioned cars is untimely maintenance of the system and replacement of filters. According to the rules, air conditioner filters are replaced every 15-20 thousand kilometers of the distance traveled. Similarly, do not leave aside the situation when the air conditioner has become poorly cooled or does not provide cold air at all.
It is worth remembering that depressurization of the car air conditioning system can lead to significant damage, especially in the case of high ambient humidity. Most often, the compressor fails, and the price of a new one often starts from 300-400 euros. No need to be lazy to go to the service to check the air conditioner, thereby saving yourself from subsequent problems and financial waste.
