6 Ways to Properly Turn On Your Car Air Conditioner for Longevity
Understanding how to properly turn on the car's AC can extend its lifespan and not burden the engine's performance. As is known, if the engine's performance is harder than before, it can accelerate the wear and tear of other car components. So how should it be done correctly? For more details, consider the following methods.
How to Properly Turn On the Car's AC
To ensure the car's AC lasts, you need to know the correct way to turn it on. Here are the complete steps.
1. Start the car engine first
When you want to turn on the AC, make sure to start the car engine first. Once the engine is running, you should not immediately turn on the AC as it will burden the engine's performance. This performance load occurs because the magnetic clutch works harder when the engine speed is low. You need to wait for 10 to 15 seconds for the engine to warm up. Ensure the engine is idling. After that, you can turn on the AC.
2. Adjust the temperature and fan speed
For those of you parked in an open and hot area, it is advisable to start the car engine first before turning on the AC. Ensure the engine is idling while warming up. Next, open the car windows for 20 seconds to lower the temperature inside the cabin that is too hot. Then, you need to turn on the AC blower for 15 seconds with the car windows open.
This can help bring the excessively hot cabin temperature down to room temperature. Thus, the AC will not be under heavy load, making it last longer. Once the cabin temperature feels comfortable, you can close the car windows, then turn on the AC compressor.
For the AC temperature setting, you can set the fan speed or blower to a low position first. Meanwhile, set the compressor temperature to medium or to your desired temperature. For those of you who park in a garage or enclosed area, you need to set the AC temperature to medium or equivalent to 22 degrees. Ensure the fan speed or blower is at the first level.
3. Avoid opening the car windows when the AC is on
To keep your AC lasting, you must avoid the habit of opening the car windows when the AC is on. This can allow dirt and dust from outside the car to enter the cabin. As a result, the AC filter becomes dirty quickly and clogs, making the AC less effective.
4. Avoid turning on the AC when the car is off
The next proper way to turn on the AC to ensure longevity is to avoid turning on the AC when the car is off. This can cause damage to the AC compressor more quickly. Why does this happen? Because the car perceives the temperature inside the cabin as too hot, prompting the AC compressor to work harder.
5. Avoid turning on the AC at maximum temperature
The correct way to turn on the car's AC also advises against turning on the AC at maximum temperature. This habit can damage the AC compressor's performance if done over the long term.
6. Avoid turning on the AC directly when the car is at high speed
Lastly, you are advised not to turn on the AC directly when the car is at high speed. This should be avoided because when the car is moving at high speed, the engine speed is also high. Meanwhile, the AC compressor is off, so when the AC is turned on, the compressor must work according to the car's engine speed. This condition can accelerate the wear and tear of the AC compressor.
These are some proper and correct ways to turn on the AC that you need to know. Don't forget to perform regular AC maintenance at the nearest Daihatsu workshop to ensure your driving comfort is always maintained.
