A/C and Winter or Off Season - AC Auto Repair Help Forum


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A/C and Winter or Off Season

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> AC Auto Repair Help Forum

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 12, 2005, 10:36 AM

Post #1 of 3 (2205 views)

A/C and Winter or Off Season	Sign In

Allow your A/C to work in cold weather! Some cars have a button to shut off the compressor. It won't work anyway for long and will not make cold air if left on. The heat of your engine will allow it to cycle now and then thru the off season which is GOOD for it. There is oil in the system and letting it move along with your compressor's shaft seal not rusting up is likely to keep the system well for when you need it.

-T

DanD
Veteran / Moderator
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Dec 13, 2005, 6:41 AM

Post #2 of 3 (2201 views)

Re: A/C and Winter or Off Season	Sign In

Not only that Tom, even if you don’t fiscally turn the AC switch on, most systems are designed to automatically run the AC compressor when the heater is switched to windshield defrost.
Exactly for the reason you mentioned but also to dry the air that’s being blown on to the windshield, it’s to help prevent the windows from fogging up.
Dan.

Canadian "EH"

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 13, 2005, 7:54 AM

Post #3 of 3 (2197 views)

Re: A/C and Winter or Off Season	Sign In

I should have mentioned that. I have a '97 full size GM truck with an A/C switch and I wondered if compressor would kick on now and then with the button put to A/C off even with defrost mode?? Truth is I never checked! I will just plain ask for A/C now and then just in case. I'm glad it has A/C but I use mostly for plowing snow so I don't pay too much attention to whether the compressor does come on. It gets warm in even cold weather underhood with the plow blocking air flow. I keep a sharp eye on the gauges. Just around town it doesn't care much but a highway run they can overheat! It's a huge plow and it helps to leave them angled for cooling which seems so silly when you are out in the cold!

-T

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