What is and how does the climate control system work in a car?

Published: 01/28/2021

• Humidity reduction function
• Auto mode
• Codes and common errors
• general information
• Operating principles of an air conditioner
• Climate control and air conditioning - differences
• Car climate system
• Prevention and proper operation
• Fault prevention
• How to use climate control correctly?
• Filter
• Functional features of the system
• Filter
• Features of operation in winter

Humidity reduction function

Almost everyone knows that an air conditioner, while working to cool, dries the air. Not many people have heard how climate control in a car copes with this task in winter. To ensure this function, the installation is equipped with a special humidity meter. Data from this sensor is sent to the controller. At low negative temperatures, air dehumidification is usually not required; the stove can handle moisture vapor. The situation changes at temperatures close to zero, in conditions of wet snow, and during a thaw. The car windows begin to fog up intensely. In this situation, your climate control system will operate as follows:

• the humidity sensor will inform the controller about the need to remove excess moisture;
• the controller will give a command to turn on the air conditioner and stove simultaneously;
• moist air passing through the air conditioner evaporator will leave moisture particles in the form of condensation or frost on the heat exchanger honeycombs;
• After the evaporator, the air enters the stove radiator, where it is also further dried.

Thus, the use of climate control prevents the windows from fogging up and provides comfortable driving conditions in winter.

Cabin filter

Before using climate control in your car in winter, carefully read the car's operating instructions. In it you will probably find recommendations for replacing the cabin filter. This air purification element plays a very important role for the operation of the air conditioning system. If the filter is clogged with dust, then heating and drying will be ineffective - the windows will fog up, and the interior will heat up more slowly. Manufacturers offer three options for filter elements:

• paper - the easiest and cheapest cleaning method;
• coal - act much more efficiently;
• antibacterial - prevent the proliferation of pathogenic organisms in the air ducts of the car's air conditioning system.

It is recommended to replace the cabin filter twice a year. In some cases, the procedure will have to be performed more often - for example, when driving on dirt roads.

How does the climate control system work?

The introduction of climate control made it possible to coordinate the operation of heating and air conditioning installations and subordinate them to one control center. Plus, temperature limitation is implemented using internal and external sensors - based on their readings, the controller regulates the intensity of cooling or heating.

In winter, the climate control in the car works as follows:

1. The air flow entering through the inlet enters the air duct and heat exchanger - the air conditioner evaporator. Upon contact with the cold fins of the radiator, condensation forms and the air is dried.
2. Next, a system of dampers equipped with electric drives directs part of the flow to the heater radiator for heating.
3. At the outlet of the heat exchanger, hot air is mixed with cold air to achieve the set temperature. The proportions are regulated by a controller that receives a signal from the corresponding sensor.
4. The mixed flow moves through the air ducts into the cabin, exiting through the front panel deflectors or at the feet of the passengers.

Auto mode

When the climate system is turned on, by default it starts operating in automatic mode, which involves distributing the air flow in such a way as to ensure that the temperature is maintained at a given level, separately for the left and right sides of the cabin. If while driving the car the operating parameters of the climate system were set that differed from the original ones, you can return to them by pressing the “AUTO” button (the yellow LED built into the button will light up). The desired zone temperature is set using the corresponding rotary controls. The manufacturer recommends maintaining a value of 22° C (72° Fahrenheit) - this temperature is considered the most comfortable for everyone present in the car.

This indicator is changed if for some reason this temperature does not suit the driver or passengers. It should be noted that climate control allows you to set the temperature within 16 - 29.5 degrees Celsius (61 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit), and these values ​​are conditional - depending on external factors, they may shift slightly to one or another side.

Automatic maintenance of a given microclimate is carried out by controlling the rate of air flow into the cabin, distributing warm and cold air to obtain a given temperature, and also by regulating the direction of airflow. Climate control is able to interpret the amount of solar radiation, accordingly changing the operating parameters of the climate system. This is facilitated by installing a solar radiation sensor. The automatic mode is turned off by pressing any of the control buttons, including the “ECON” button. But this does not mean that the climate control ceases to maintain the specified operating parameters - it is simply considered that new values ​​have been set that will remain the same when the ignition is turned off after the car is stopped.

Main elements and units

The operation of climate control is subject to a number of features. Its correct function in the car both in summer and winter is ensured by the presence of certain components.

The key components of the installation considered in this case combine the following:

1. Air conditioner. Thanks to this mechanism, it is possible to maintain temperature and humidity at normal levels.
2. Bake. Using this mechanism, you can collect engine coolant, which has previously warmed up to a certain level.
3. A set of intakes along with an air duct system. They are responsible for the correct distribution of air and direct these flows to one or another area of ​​the cabin.
4. Fan. Promotes mixing of air flows inside the cabin.
5. Thermal sensors. Used to measure air temperature in certain areas of the cabin.
6. Furnace electric valves. The operation of the heat exchanger is suspended when heating is not necessary.
7. Air intake curtains. To put them into operation, electric servos are used.
8. Moisture level sensor. It is present in updated models, but was not used in old ones.
9. Programmer-controller. Collects data from all available sensors and analyzes them, sends certain commands to actuators and units.

Codes and common errors

Different manufacturers may use their own codes. Therefore, when digital values ​​appear on the display after self-diagnosis, you need to check your instruction manual.

Some people have identical codes, so on cars from different automakers, one digit will mean an identical malfunction. To ensure that the values ​​correspond to errors, you can rely on the official guidelines.

Most often, when self-diagnosis of climate control equipment, drivers encounter the following problems:

• short circuit in the electrical circuit;
• malfunctions or complete failure of temperature sensors;
• malfunctions in the heating or cooling system settings;
• electric motor failure;
• malfunction of dampers and fan;
• compressor failure;
• decrease in coolant level;
• Damper drive failure, etc.

Sometimes the result of self-diagnosis may be information about malfunctions of the sunlight or air temperature sensor. This is not always true.

This happens if the temperature inside the car is too low because you work in cold conditions in winter, or the car is locked in a garage and the lighting used is insufficient.

Climate systems on cars operate on the same principle. But their design and software are different. This makes it somewhat difficult to find a universal instruction in the absence of an official operating manual specifically for your car.

If you have never carried out self-diagnosis of climate control on a car and do not have sufficient experience to carry out such work, it is better to contact a specialized car service center. Our technicians have the necessary skills and equipment that allow them to quickly check the system’s functionality, detect faults and offer solutions.

It is not necessary to trust the repair itself to specialists. If you wish and have the opportunity, you can fix the damage yourself. The same sensor replacement does not cause problems and is carried out in a few minutes. But serious breakdowns should be entrusted to qualified craftsmen.

Climate control is a useful and effective device for any car. If desired, the system can be installed on machines where it was not originally provided. It provides a high level of comfort in the cabin, but minimizes the need to regulate the operating modes of the equipment, unlike a conventional air conditioner.

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Is it possible to install an additional climate system?

The climate control system can be installed under two conditions:

• the car is equipped with air conditioning;
• The design of the car allows for climate control.

To make changes to the design, you will need to install an electronically controlled climate control unit, as well as change the wiring and mount the control panel. Below is an example of self-installation of climate control on a Polo Sedan.

A number of cars, for example, the first generation Hyundai i30, can be equipped with climate control by replacing the control unit, temperature sensors, fan resistance and installing a solar radiation sensor along with a modified wiring harness.

What you will need

Set of replacement components:

1. Heater equipped with electric damper actuators and sensors. Polo Sedan cars are similar to a part of a similar purpose from Skoda Rapid. The difference will be in some of the wiring plugs and in the glove box cooling system hose.
2. Heater wiring harness. Replacing the unit is mandatory, since the wires are used to connect the heater with the control unit.
3. Directly the control unit and a decorative frame for it.
4. Wiring for connecting the control unit with the on-board digital bus and sensors.
5. Coolant.
6. Cold air supply valve to the glove box.
7. Since replacing the heater involves dismantling the pipes, the air conditioner will need to be refilled with refrigerant.

Algorithm of actions

Sequence of replacement steps:

1. Drain the antifreeze and coolant.
2. Disconnect the lines from the standard heater.
3. Remove the instrument panel assembly with the heater.
4. Remove the old heater and install a new one in its place.
5. Install the solar radiation activity sensor in its original place.
6. Connect the new heater to the standard wires using a modified braid.
7. Reinstall the instrument panel.
8. Reprogram the electrical unit to use climate control. If you skip this operation, the system will not work correctly.
9. Refill cooling and climate control systems.

Photo gallery

The photographs show the steps to install climate control on a Polo Sedan.

Interior with dismantled instrument panel

New heater

Wiring braid

The device is registered in the electronics unit

Climate control programming

Assembled instrument panel with climate control unit

general information

Climate control is a modern technological system that provides the highest possible comfort for the driver and passengers. The main task of this equipment is to maintain the most comfortable air temperature in the cabin throughout the entire trip.

Operating principle

The main principle of operation is to maintain optimal temperature conditions using air conditioning and heating systems. To obtain information about the temperature in the cabin, there are sensors capable of transmitting the necessary information to the control unit.

Next, a signal goes from the control unit to certain actuators, such as a temperature damper. The entire process of adjusting and retrieving information from sensors is performed fully automatically.

Main components of the system

The above system consists of the following elements:

Control block. It is the “brain” center of this system and processes incoming signals and sends commands to the main devices. Sensors They are located inside the cabin and monitor the state of the main climate parameters in the cabin. Most car models are equipped with the following sensors: temperature, solar, and vehicle status. Executive devices. Carry out the task coming from the control unit. For example, to increase the volume of air flow, a signal is sent to the electric sensor of the fan. Damper. Used for the normal functioning of the entire system

The damper is a very important part that regulates the distribution of warm and cold air flow inside the car. There are several types of dampers: • central, used for basic air temperature control; • recirculating, which function to regulate the intensity of air flow; • for supplying air from the environment; • for blowing glass.

What to do when climate control does not work

The climate system may periodically break down and malfunction. There are both fatal and temporary breakdowns that can be eliminated by some manipulation of the buttons.

Important. There are many types of such equipment, so they may have their own characteristics in diagnosing breakdowns.

Let's consider a typical algorithm for checking equipment:

1. Switch the QC into self-diagnosis mode. To do this, press the OFF button with the ignition on. All of its components should be highlighted on the panel. If any of them is not highlighted, there is a breakdown in it.
2. If everything is normal, then in the next step check the integrity of the sensor power circuits. To do this, increase the temperature and the number 2 should appear on the indicator. If after a while it changes to 20, then everything is normal. The sensor circuits are OK.
3. Next, the position of the damper system is checked, which determines the blowing mode. To do this, increase the temperature one more step and 3 will appear on the display. If 30 appears, everything is fine.
4. Turn on the airflow and switch the dampers one by one. An air flow should appear from all of them.

The temperature recorded by the sensor is checked in the same way. First external, then in the cabin in mode 5. Then the temperature indicators are adjusted.

Malfunction prevention

Prevention consists of periodic diagnostics. Also, do not forget about the cabin filter and refilling the system with freon. A timely inspection will allow you to identify possible defects in the equipment and eliminate possible problems at the stage of their occurrence. Also remember to clean and disinfect your air conditioner twice a year.

Climate control and air conditioning - differences

An attentive reader may ask: why complicate the system so much? It is quite possible to get by with a stove for trips in cold weather, but in the summer you will be limited to air conditioning.

This was the case before: each of these systems is capable of providing a comfortable microclimate in the cabin, but only if the internal and external conditions in the car remain unchanged.

But for a moving object, such as a car, this is in principle impossible. The outside air temperature and pressure change with the speed and direction of the vehicle.

The engine is cold when starting and gradually warms up; the air conditioner needs time to reach operating mode. All these factors, in the absence of automation, are monitored by humans and adjusted manually.

The main difference between climate control and air conditioning is the presence of a control system. It monitors temperature and humidity parameters and regulates them without the participation of the driver and passengers.

In such an installation, the air conditioner is one of the components that performs the functions of cooling and reducing humidity. This flow is mixed with the heated one and at the output we get indicators that are comfortable for humans, which are maintained within specified limits automatically.

In what situations should you not use automatic climate control mode?

When operating a vehicle, emergency situations may arise that limit the use of climate control. The most common cases are shown in the table.

Car climate system

Let us immediately note that car air conditioning appeared on cars much earlier than the climate. The solution is time-tested, relatively simple and reliable. The main function of an air conditioner is to cool the air. The air is heated by the stove in the car. In turn, climate control allows you to create and automatically maintain a microclimate in the cabin, while requiring minimal participation from the driver.

To make it clearer, a car's air conditioner is actually an air cooling unit. The design includes pipes, a compressor, an evaporator, etc. Simply put, freon (refrigerant) is pumped into a sealed air conditioning system, which circulates through the pipes and radiators thanks to the operation of the compressor. In turn, the outside air is pumped by a fan, contacts the radiator (evaporator), inside of which freon circulates, and is cooled.

The air conditioner, or rather the compressor, only works when the engine is running. The fact is that the air conditioning compressor in a car is driven by the internal combustion engine. Usually the driver turns the air conditioning on and off himself. To adjust the flow temperature (for example, so that the air conditioner does not blow too cold air), you have to mix cold air from the air conditioner and warm air from the heater radiator. This is done by mechanical regulators. However, precise temperature control cannot be achieved.

Now let's look at what climate control is. Structurally, it is still the same air conditioner with a compressor, pipes, etc. However, climate control is equipped with a large number of sensors and an electronic climate control system (climate unit). In fact, the climate system allows you to accurately set the required temperature down to a degree, after which the set air temperature is automatically maintained.

Otherwise, climate control is an automatic climate system (air conditioning and stove at the same time), equipped with a group of sensors to control temperature, humidity, etc. The electronic unit analyzes the sensor information and activates the air conditioning compressor or heater, moves the air duct dampers, distributes the flow of warm and cold air throughout the cabin, etc.

Having considered climate control, what it is and how it works, you can understand that the driver has the ability to quickly set a comfortable mode. In fact, climate control comes down to setting the temperature in the cabin. Moreover, developed systems even make it possible to create a separate climate (for example, dual-zone climate control), when the temperature of the blown air from the deflectors closer to the driver is one, while from the deflectors in the passenger area it is different.

As you can see, climate control and air conditioning are structurally similar in a number of elements, but the systems are completely different. Of course, a climate system based on climate control provides a higher level of comfort, it is simpler and more convenient; controlling climate control actually requires only choosing a comfortable temperature and airflow zone. The climate can be considered especially comfortable if we are not talking about a simple single-zone climate.

Climate control control unit, system operating modes

The complex climate control system is controlled from a fairly simple panel, which is equipped with intuitive controls. In order to understand their purpose, you don’t even need to look at the car’s operating instructions. There are manual and automatic climate control modes. Using the manual mode implies knowledge of all the intricacies of the operation of the system equipment. Incorrect operation of controls leads to a reduction in the service life of the equipment.

Video: How does climate control work in a car?

In this mode, you can manually regulate fan speed, air cooling and heating, and air flow into the cabin. The manual mode is mainly used when it is necessary to quickly heat or cool the air in the cabin. Automatic mode is used during a long trip. To do this, the driver only needs to turn on the system and set the required temperature. All procedures for adjusting the dampers, distributing flows and their pressure are carried out automatically by the system under the control of an electronic chip.

Many car enthusiasts do not use automatic mode only for the reason that the fan makes a lot of noise. However, this is typical only for the initial stage of system operation, when it intensively reaches the desired temperature conditions and the fan operates at full load. Subsequently, when the control air temperature is reached, the system and the fan switch to the tracking mode, where the noise of the operating system is practically indistinguishable from the general noise background.

It must be borne in mind that in automatic mode, which is activated using the Auto button, the air conditioning pump continues to operate regardless of the outside temperature. If it's cool outside and you want to save gas, you can switch to manual mode.

The presence of an air conditioner in a car will not surprise anyone now - many foreign manufacturers supply basic cars with coolers. More expensive versions of cars are equipped with climate control systems that maintain the set air temperature automatically. Moreover, this system is not the latest development and has been used in vehicles for about 20 years. The purpose of the publication is to consider the operating principle of climate control and explain the difference between it and a conventional air conditioner.

Prevention and proper operation

An air conditioner or heater operating as part of climate control must be maintained in optimal technical condition.

Drivers make basic mistakes when operating the system and do not really understand how climate control works in a car.

There are several recommendations that will help avoid unwanted breakdowns and costly repairs to the CC:

• check the system for leaks at least once a year, since the refrigerant used can leak through cracked pipes, loose fasteners and other damaged areas;
• monitor the coolant level and refill as it decreases (this is cheaper than completely refilling the system);
• For repairs and maintenance, contact only specialized service centers, since it is not recommended to repair such equipment yourself;
• in parallel with refueling, diagnose the operation of the electronic unit;
• It is recommended to turn on the system at least 1 minute after starting the engine and turn it off at least 1 minute before stopping the engine;
• to avoid health problems, set the temperature inside the cabin to no lower than 10 degrees compared to the outside temperature (if it is 30 degrees Celsius outside, it is recommended to turn on the air conditioning no colder than 20 degrees);
• Change the cabin filter periodically, especially if you regularly use cooling and heating;
• clean the radiator (air conditioner) to get rid of accumulated dust, turning on the blowing mode once a month for 5 - 10 minutes;
• Clean the interior ventilation using available methods to get rid of contaminants and accumulated harmful microorganisms.

Simple measures that will help extend the life of your climate control equipment. If you do not follow these recommendations, you will regularly encounter problems and costly repairs.

Refrigerant condition

State of the refrigerant in the air conditioner: A...B - compression in the compressor;
B…C - cooling in the condenser; C...D - processes in an expansion valve or unregulated throttle; D...A - processes in the evaporator, the transition of liquid refrigerant into gas. The curved line is the boundary between liquid and gas. State of the refrigerant in the air conditioner: A...B - compression in the compressor; B…C - cooling in the condenser; C...D - processes in an expansion valve or unregulated throttle; D...A - processes in the evaporator, the transition of liquid refrigerant into gas. The curved line is the boundary between liquid and gas.

The pressure in the air conditioning system is monitored by a combination sensor. If the pressure is too low or high, turning on the compressor will be prohibited in order to eliminate the risk of damage. This is done so that the system does not activate, for example, when there is not enough freon in it. An important point: when the air conditioner is running, the freon pressure before the compressor is usually about 3 bar, and after the compressor - about 14 bar. A short time after it stops, the indicators are compared. At 20°C this pressure is about 5–6 bar, but at 0°C it drops to 2 bar. And on some car models, this is enough for the control system to block the compressor from turning on.

Depending on the specific car model, pressure and temperature sensors have different priorities. For example, on many machines the control unit is guided by the readings of an external temperature sensor. If the car is driven into a heated garage from the cold, then even when the pressure in the system physically rises to the operating range, the electronic “brains” will need a little more time to realize the real, and not momentary change in environmental conditions and give the go-ahead to turn on the compressor.

Fault prevention

Any breakdown can be prevented or delayed by following operating instructions. To enjoy a comfortable ride for as long as possible, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• check the system for leaks annually to avoid refrigerant leakage;
• periodically change the cabin filter;
• clean the radiator of dust monthly;
• refill the refrigerant in a timely manner;
• check the operation of the electronic unit;
• periodically clean the interior ventilation;
• turn the system on and off a minute before starting and stopping the engine.

It is advisable to trust car repairs and maintenance to specialists.

How to use climate control correctly?

General sequence of control of the climate control system:

1. Turn on the unit using a separate button or fan speed control.
2. Set the required temperature. Most systems allow you to set the temperature in 0.5 ºC increments. The permissible difference between the zones is, at best, 4-5 ºС.
3. In manual mode, force the air conditioner to turn on and set the fan speed.
4. To turn on the automation, you need to click on the “Auto” button. The unit will further regulate the intensity of the air flow and distribute it throughout the cabin.
5. If the owner uses the air conditioning unit little, then it is recommended to turn on the air conditioner on a preventive basis once a month for 10-15 minutes.

Below is a sample dual-zone climate control control unit with a description of the functions of the buttons and switches:

• 1 — air conditioning compressor control key;
• 2 — step regulator of the driver’s system;
• 3 — handle for changing the temperature of the air supplied to the driver’s seat;
• 4 — automatic operating mode;
• 5 — at the top there is a button for supplying the flow to the chest level, below — to the head area, even lower — to the feet;
• 6 — increase in the number of revolutions of the fan impeller;
• 7 — handle for changing the temperature of the air supplied to the passenger seat;
• 8 — step regulator for the passenger seat heating system;
• 9 — maximum windshield airflow;
• 10 — heated rear window;
• 11 — reduction in the speed of the fan impeller;
• 12 — air recirculation in manual or automatic mode;
• 13 — control of electric steering wheel heating.

Purpose of climate control buttons
The control unit may have additional buttons and displays:

• indication of air temperature in the driver and passenger area;
• turning on electric;
• air supply from an autonomous heater.

Features of climate control operation in summer

Summer operation of the device has a number of features:

1. It is not recommended to set the climate control temperature below 10 ºС outside environment. This is associated with the risk of colds due to hypothermia.
2. It is recommended to ventilate the interior before starting the air conditioning system. This lowers the air temperature and speeds up cooling.
3. To speed up the cooling process, air recirculation mode is used.
4. It is not recommended to open the windows after the interior has cooled down, since the sensors record the temperature change and load the compressor.

Features of climate control operation in winter

Features of using the system in winter:

• due to the possibility of ice and condensation forming on the dampers, it is not recommended to change air flows until the cabin is warmed up;
• periodically turn on the air conditioning compressor to prevent rubber seals on the refrigerant lines.

Features of use

The standard climate system is controlled using the following buttons:

• Auto – start climate control;
• A/C – forced activation of the air conditioner;
• buttons or handles for setting the desired temperature;
• fan performance controller;
• keys or handles for air flow distribution - on the glass, in the face or legs;
• switching air intake from outside or inside the machine (recirculation).

Using climate control is not difficult, but you should know some features. For example, when the system is turned on (after pressing the Auto button), the air conditioner will not start in winter. First you need to disable automatic temperature maintenance, and then press the “A/C” key.

Temperature regulation is carried out after pressing the Auto button. Moreover, the difference in setting the temperatures of a two- and multi-zone system a priori cannot be large, since the chairs are located nearby. The electronics provide a maximum difference of 4 °C. If the front passenger tries to add temperature above the specified limit (for example, 5 ° C more than the driver set), then the setting on the driver’s side will begin to increase, but the difference will remain unchanged.

The efficiency of the air conditioning system depends on the number and location of temperature sensors . The best combination is 2 meters in each zone, located above and below. In budget systems where 1 ceiling sensor is installed, the fan can supply cooler air, since the controller “sees” that the set temperature has already been reached.

To use the climate control system correctly, follow these simple recommendations:

1. Do not set the air temperature too low (less than 20 °C) in summer. It is enough to get out of the car for 3-5 minutes and return to the cool interior to avoid catching a cold.
2. In winter, with a cold car, direct the airflow to the windshield and side glass. When the engine and coolant are warmed up, you can turn the deflector in your direction.
3. Do not turn on the full recirculation mode for a long time - the air is saturated with carbon dioxide.
4. In summer traffic jams, the engine gets very hot, which is facilitated by the load from the running air conditioner. Turn off the cooler periodically or set the maximum temperature to 24–25 °C.

Climate control maintenance includes timely replacement of filters and checking the technical condition of the air conditioner. It is recommended to visit a car service center annually to measure the freon pressure in the circuit and look for leaks.

Filter

Before using climate control in your car in winter, carefully read the car's operating instructions. In it you will probably find recommendations for replacing the cabin filter. This air purification element plays a very important role for the operation of the air conditioning system. If the filter is clogged with dust, then heating and drying will be ineffective - the windows will fog up, and the interior will heat up more slowly. Manufacturers offer three options for filter elements:

• paper - the easiest and cheapest cleaning method;
• coal - act much more efficiently;
• antibacterial - prevent the proliferation of pathogenic organisms in the air ducts of the car's air conditioning system.

It is recommended to replace the cabin filter twice a year. In some cases, the procedure will have to be performed more often - for example, when driving on dirt roads.

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Why do you turn on the air conditioning in your car in winter?

Any expert on car air conditioning will tell you that you need to turn on the air conditioning in your car in winter. And user manuals for different car models will confirm this. But why do this?

Scheme of operation of the air conditioning system in the car interior

The fact is that the air conditioning system uses special compressor oil. It is necessary to lubricate the compressor parts and all rubber seals of the system. If it were not there, the rubbing parts in the compressor would simply jam. However, the oil itself does not circulate within the system on its own; it is dissolved in freon, which is its carrier.

As a result, if you do not turn on the air conditioner for a long time (for example, several months in a row, from autumn to summer), the first time when starting up after inactivity, the compressor will run “dry”. This mode can lead to failure or simply significantly reduce its life. And the longer the system is idle, the longer it takes the oil to lubricate all elements of the system again. The more the compressor is “killed”.

Working without lubrication, compressor parts wear out and metal dust settles in the system. It is almost impossible to rinse and clean it - it remains inside forever and will slowly kill even a new compressor.

And looking at its cost, no one wants to change this part (for Priora - 9,000 rubles, for Lacetti - 11,000 rubles, Ford Focus 3 - 12,000 rubles). Therefore, lubricating the system is the main reason why you need to turn on the air conditioning in your car in winter. But the use of the car air conditioner in winter must be correct, otherwise you will not be able to turn it on in the summer.

But in addition to wear and tear on the compressor itself, rubber seals also suffer without lubrication. And if they dry out, freon will begin to flow out and evaporate. Filling in a new one is not as expensive as replacing a compressor, but it is also several thousand rubles. Moreover, the costs will not be recouped yet, because if the cause of the leak is not found and eliminated, the freon will leave the system again and the money will literally be thrown away.

In some articles you can find information that there is no need to turn on the air conditioning on modern cars, because their compressor does not have an electromagnetic clutch, which turns sour and which actually needs lubrication. But these are unrelated facts - the absence of a clutch, which is located outside the compressor, does not eliminate the need to lubricate the rubbing parts inside the compressor.

Several factors contribute to confusion regarding the question “can I turn on the air conditioner in a car in winter?”

1. The manuals do not write anything about the fact that you need to start the air conditioner at a positive ambient temperature - no one has ever found an answer why this is not indicated.
2. The compressors of most cars manufactured after 2000 rotate all year round and are called all-weather. The work of the compressor to increase pressure and close the clutch and pulley occurs inside the structure - therefore, it is difficult to determine that it has actually “worked” and this complicates the understanding of “whether the air conditioner turns on in winter.”
3. Even when the compressor is turned off, the AC lamp lights up in the cabin - we’ll try to figure this out separately.

How often should you turn on your air conditioner in winter?

There is no single recommendation. The average value is once every 7-10 days for 10-15 minutes. The best place to look for this information is in your specific vehicle's owner's manual. In general, this is the only reliable source of information for which the automaker is responsible and risks possible lawsuits. Even if you doubt whether you can turn on the air conditioning in your car in winter, look at what the manufacturer wrote. When it says “turn on,” then turn on and don’t be afraid of what will happen if you turn on the air conditioner in your car in winter. If there is no such information, the final choice is yours. However, remember all the arguments that were given above.

Why can doubts arise at all, because the system needs lubrication? In fact, the air conditioner does not start in cold weather! Yes, even if the A/C light on the panel is on. To enable it, certain conditions are required.

Functional features of the system

The number of possible climate control functions depends on the car model, its type and the sensors used. The list of features includes:

• maintaining the desired temperature by cooling the interior in the summer and heating in the winter;
• taking into account the ambient temperature using signals from a solar radiation analysis sensor, which determines the impact of ultraviolet radiation, as well as an outboard temperature sensor;
• recirculation and purification of air in the car interior, thanks to the presence of special filters;
• sophisticated temperature control in various areas of the cabin, including the driver's seat, passengers, rear seats and much more;
• prevention of glass fogging in the cabin in winter thanks to high-quality and uniform heating.

Air flow movement
A large number of drivers prefer climate control instead of air conditioning. Both solutions are designed for the sole purpose of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the cabin. But the air conditioner must be adjusted manually, and the climate system automatically adjusts the operating parameters.

Types of systems

The standard (single-zone) version of the climate control system does not solve issues related to the characteristics of the organisms of different people. The essence of the problem should be explained with an example: when maintaining 22 °C in the cabin, the driver is comfortable, the passenger sitting next to him is stuffy, and the back row of seats is cold. In spacious cars, where a third additional sofa is installed, the effect of climate control is not felt by the rear passengers.

The solution to this issue was more complex climate systems:

• dual-zone climate control generates 2 air flows of different temperatures - for the driver and front passenger;
• a three-zone installation creates individual temperature conditions for the driver, the person sitting next to him and the rear row passengers;
• four-zone (otherwise multi-zone) allows you to supply air with different parameters to all seats - front and rear.

The supply of air masses of varying degrees of heating (or cooling) is organized through separate air ducts laid along the bottom and inside the side panels. The control unit controls the temperature in each zone using separate sensors. So that passengers in the rear seats can independently adjust the air parameters, a panel with buttons, a display and deflectors - flow distributors - is installed between the front seats.

It is almost impossible to predict the desires of car enthusiasts, provide for all possible situations and incorporate them into the climate electronics program. Therefore, vehicle manufacturers provide two buttons that allow you to turn on the air conditioning or climate control separately. Example: in winter you need to clear foggy windows, but the controller “doesn’t know” this and the cooler will not start. Then the driver turns off the climate control and forcibly activates the air conditioning with a separate button.

Features of operation in winter

The climate control algorithm described above is quite general. Each manufacturer develops a climate system for a specific model or series. The controller software may also differ slightly. The latest versions of electronic climate control allow the car owner to independently program some of the installation functions. The operation of climate control in a car in winter sometimes requires intervention and switching to manual control:

The car was in an open parking lot and its windows were covered with ice. To start moving, you need to quickly clear the viewing areas from ice. Not all climate control firmwares provide for automatic pre-heating of the windows. There may be a situation where the program provides such a function, but the specified heating time was not enough. In this case, you have to exit the automatic mode and manually turn on the glass defrost. You will also have to choose the fan speed. Once the icing is cleared, you can return to automatic settings.

• Often, unlucky drivers rely on the warmth inside the car and neglect reliable winter shoes. Inopportunely fallen snow forces us to trample around the car for a while. After freeing the car from a snowdrift, the driver receives wet feet as a bonus. In such a situation, the most correct solution is to switch to manual control and direct the flow of hot air to the legs.
• You can spend quite a lot of time in long winter traffic jams caused by ice and snow. In order to avoid exhaust gases from vehicles accumulated around getting into the car interior, use the “Recirculation” mode. Only very advanced climate control systems are equipped with an automatic CO level analyzer in the external air intake.

Does the air conditioner work in winter?

Yes, if outside is above +3..+5°С. At a lower temperature, the refrigerant does not go into a gaseous state, the compressor does not turn on, no matter what is displayed on the screen of the climate control unit. Our winters are such that +5..+7°C in January is not such an impossible phenomenon. As a matter of fact, right now, at above-zero temperatures, the air conditioner will work. And it will also be launched in a warm parking lot of a shopping center, which is definitely a good advantage (there, by the way, the windows tend to fog up). So take advantage of the moment!