Use the air conditioner during the winter as well

Cold air coming from the vents may be the last thing in the world drivers want on a winter's day, but turning on the air conditioning every once in a while could save you from running out of money when you need it most.

The latest global research shows that most drivers do not turn on the air conditioner at all during the winter. Most of them do this to reduce fuel consumption, but such a strategy can be uneconomical.

Experts advise that air conditioners are most efficient when they are used regularly, and if you do not turn them on for a few months, their functionality will be reduced during the summer, when it is most needed.

Not using the air conditioner for a long period of time can also lead to the formation of bacteria in the system, as well as the possibility of the sealing elements in the system drying out, which eventually leads to cracks, leaks and corrosion.

However, drivers should not consider turning on the air conditioning in cold weather as just a way to keep the system in good working order for the summer period. Effective air conditioning will not only heat the air in the cabin, but also dry it, which helps to demist the windows faster, especially in conditions of increased humidity of the outside air.

Also, many drivers who do not turn on the air conditioning during the winter say that they prefer to open the window. But driving with the window open can be more expensive than using the air conditioner, since the air conditioner does not excessively increase fuel consumption during the winter, and on the other hand, open windows create more air resistance, which increases consumption.

And although regular use of the air conditioner can maintain the efficiency of the system, it does not mean that it can completely prevent gas loss over time in all situations, so you will have to top it up and service it every two to three years.

We remind you that the air conditioner should not be used when the outside temperature is lower than 3 degrees.

The gasket loosens when dryRegular use of the air conditioner greatly helps to extend the term of gas refilling. Why?

Because the A/C compressor has a seal on the drive shaft that prevents fluid from leaking out of the system. This gasket performs its function with the help of a thin layer of oil. When the air conditioner is not used during the winter, this layer of oil will dry out and coolant will slowly leak out of the system.

The driver will realize this only when summer comes and the air conditioner does not cool properly. To prevent this from happening to you, we recommend that you turn on the air conditioning for a few minutes at least once every two weeks, and that you always use it when you need to demist the windshield.