Features of using the air conditioner in cold weather

The drop in temperature outside, especially in the autumn and winter mornings, forces drivers to warm up their cars. Modern cars use air conditioning for this, but how useful is it in cold weather?

Using an air conditioner when it gets cold

It is widely believed that the air conditioner can be used both in winter and summer. In the summer, it is clear why it is turned on - to create the optimal temperature in the cabin. However, why is it turned on in the fall or winter, when the temperature is already low?

Everyone knows that in addition to cooling, an air conditioner also dries the air. This helps in the fight against fogging of the windows when the driver gets into a cold car. However, it turns out that this does not always work as there is a certain temperature at which the compressor turns off.

Temperature limits

Car manufacturers often mislead their customers by explaining that the air conditioner in their car can be used all year round. Although the fan works, this does not always mean that the climate system is fully functional.

Each compressor has its own low temperature limit at which it turns off. For example, in BMW, the minimum temperature at which the air conditioning compressor works is +1 C. If it falls below this mark, the compressor will not turn on.

As for models of Porsche, Skoda or Kia brands, the system stops working even earlier - at +2 C. The Great Wall system is set to "winter" mode - up to minus 5 C, and in Renault cars it's the other way around - there the compressor stops working at +4 WITH.

Many motorists mistakenly believe that the illuminated AC ON / OF button indicates a working climate system. In fact, when the outside temperature drops, the system will start, only without the compressor. Only the fan will work.

If, when buying a new car, a motorist plans to use an air conditioner both in winter and in summer, then the seller needs to clarify at what temperature the compressor turns off.