Driving in winter: experts continue to advise using air conditioning

Created: 11/22/2022, 06:00

By: Simon Mones

In winter, the air conditioning is not needed because of the low temperatures.

However, an expert recommends using it.

There are good reasons for it.

In summer, the air conditioning ensures that the car is at a pleasant temperature.

However, it also increases fuel consumption by up to a fifth.

In view of the current fuel prices, many motorists therefore refrain from using it at times.

In winter, in view of the low temperatures, it makes no sense anyway.

Or does it?

"In fact, the air conditioning should not remain switched off permanently, even in the cold of winter," explains Thomas Schuster, motor vehicle expert at the KÜS expert organization.

According to the expert, there are several reasons for using it in winter, as reported by

.

Even in winter, it can make sense to switch on the air conditioning in the car.

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Driving in winter: experts continue to advise using air conditioning

In this way, the air conditioning system can warm up the vehicle interior – just like the vehicle heater.

At the same time, it also removes moisture from the air.

This is particularly useful in winter: For example, when the car's windshield fogs up from the inside.

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If you switch on the air conditioning in this situation, you will have a clear view much faster than blower heating and avoid impending fines.

On particularly cold days, however, this can still take some time.

Accordingly, it makes sense to let the fan run at the highest level and to direct the air flow onto the windshield.

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Driving in winter: Use preserves the life of the air conditioning system

In some cars, however, the air conditioning compressor is switched on automatically at the beginning of the journey in order to remove moisture from the air.

If a manual air conditioning system is installed, drivers have to switch it on themselves to reduce the humidity.

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Another reason for using the air conditioner in winter is its lifespan.

Because only if this is used regularly, the seals and the compressor remain well lubricated.

"Furthermore, regular switching between air conditioning and conventional fan heating generally reduces the risk of fungal infestation," emphasizes KÜS expert Schuster.