Air Con: Was reading about the use of a/c or not

[CCFMJL]

Now granted I haven't used it much in any car I have had because it either didn't work or because I simply prefer fresh air from the window. I know it uses some fuel but not that much I don't think but know like anything mechanical ect it is better to use is regular or it will pack up.

Just to ask though.... when it is turned on and a bit colder but not freezing does that mean it IS still working but needs regassed, just wondered.

[SwissXC90]

Any moving part will seize if nor used.
The ac compressor has moving parts.
Ensure you use it at least once every three months.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by CCFMJL

Now granted I haven't used it much in any car I have had because it either didn't work or because I simply prefer fresh air from the window. I know it uses some fuel but not that much I don't think but know like anything mechanical ect it is better to use is regular or it will pack up.

Just to ask though.... when it is turned on and a bit colder but not freezing does that mean it IS still working but needs regassed, just wondered.

You do not need to worry about not using it as it always comes on when you are defrosting the screen . Don't you use it when it is 30C outside ??

[MikeGMT]

Originally Posted by CCFMJL

Just to ask though.... when it is turned on and a bit colder but not freezing does that mean it IS still working but needs regassed, just wondered.

I don't think modern systems which are part of the climate control get as cold as they used to in the past, when it was stand alone air conditioning and a separate heating system. Some of the old A/C systems could nearly get cold enough to start frosting the screen under the right conditions.

If the outside temperature is high and you set the climate to Low you should be able to feel the difference but not to the point of having to put a scarf and gloves on,

[ITSv40]

Whenever I have our cars aircon serviced - which is generally ever two years - I measure the temp at the dash vents so I know if the performance deteriorates.

To test, I close all the vents apart from one of the dash vents - turn the temp to coldest setting and fan to maximum speed. With a temp probe measure the temp at the vent when it stabilises.

'er indoors '07 Mini Cooper with manual air con is 6 degrees.

Both of my Volvo's with climate measure 7 degrees.

[CCFMJL]

Thanks guys....I know everyone talks in Celsius I am still in Fahrenheit I just cant get my head round C at all. So Clan that will be about 86f, I wont be going out in that to dam hot.

I am very uncomfy in the mid 70s so there is no way I could stand the heat where my sister is in Tennessee at 90!. I will do what ITS says and see what's what and take it from there.

I have noticed that too as in working a/c now isn't as cold as it was years ago as I remember an old Saab 9000 and was b%^&y freezing, I guess these days are gone because of the combined systems plus they cant use R34 id that's the right name.

They call it "progress" that right