This surprising gesture before the arrival of the first heat can save you hundreds of euros.
We don’t really pay attention to it, but some functions on cars are seasonal. Take the example of the rear window defrost mode. Very useful winter to quickly melt the frost, it is useless during the summer. So it happens that certain systems remain inactive for long months. But contrary to what one might think, not to request them does not help to preserve them in time. It is often quite the opposite! This is why, before the first hot weather arrives in France, you have a little time to make a little unusual gesture in March but which can avoid a passage to the garage during the “High Holidays”.
What is it? Simply to turn on the air conditioning … even when it’s cold! The idea of wanting to refresh the interior of a car when it is not hot may seem strange. But it is actually essential so as not to damage this fairly complex system which makes it possible to obtain a comfortable temperature when the sun hits hard on the outside. The proper functioning of the air conditioning is based on a refrigerant fluid which circulates in the circuit and lubricates the joints and components of the system. If you do not use it for several months, these seals can dry out and cause leaks. Result ? Your air conditioning can be out of service when you need it most.
Key element of air conditioning, the compressor also needs to be asked regularly to avoid seeping. Without this, it can be blocked and require a replacement, an operation which, depending on the models of cars, can cost between 500 and 1,500 euros! Less problematic but nevertheless annoying, the accumulation of humidity in ventilation conduits promotes the proliferation of bacteria and mold. This sometimes explains these bad smells when we turn on air conditioning after months of inactivity.
So what to do to avoid these inconvenience? Nothing could be simpler: turn on your air conditioning at least 10 to 15 minutes once a month even in the heart of winter. You can take the opportunity to dismember your windshield faster, a very useful function in the cold season. This small reflex will allow you to preserve the efficiency of your air conditioning and avoid unforeseen costs when it comes to sunny days.