Air Con Reminder In Winter

[Aussie Nick]

I thought I should remind Northern Hemisphere members that it is advisable to run the air conditioning system for at least 10 minutes every couple of weeks during the winter months. This is to ensure that the air conditioning system is maintained in a serviceable condition and that all seals receive some lubrication.

Ignoring the air conditioning system during winter is a recipe for the onset of malfunction and costly repair bills when the warmer weather arrives.

The punishment of sitting in a car in winter with the air conditioning turned on can be avoided by letting the air con operate whilst the car is parked and at idle. Obviously the owner should not sit in the car whilst this process is taking place.:wink:

 

[David Nock]

Good reminder Nick. The CLK manual says to set the system on auto and leave it. I'm going to leave it on yes ok.. but, following your reminder, I'm going to 'was' the controls right down to pull the cooling in. 'Was' is a rough Sheffield expression meaning many things, one of which is 'to go there quickly'. 'Was' as in 'rasp'.

 

[Aussie Nick]

I like Sheffield.Very good football team.

 

[DougCLK320]

Despite the fact that my climate control is switched on all year, does the compressor "kick-in" ever whilst it's cold outside?
I'm thinking that the compressor doesn't run if the temperature outside is lower than that required inside. Potentially, is the compressor will be idle all winter. If so, and it really should be run occasionally as Aussie Nick suggests, then how do you over-ride the climate control controls to force the compressor to run?
Doug

 

[David Nock]

Despite the fact that my climate control is switched on all year, does the compressor "kick-in" ever whilst it's cold outside?
I'm thinking that the compressor doesn't run if the temperature outside is lower than that required inside. Potentially, is the compressor will be idle all winter. If so, and it really should be run occasionally as Aussie Nick suggests, then how do you over-ride the climate control controls to force the compressor to run?
Doug

I think that you can just force the cabin temp down with the temp settings, after all on a cold but sunny day like today, cabin temp will be fairly high. Also you could turn controls up and fry yourself before zooming back down to bottom temp setting. That should pull the compressor in sufficiently.

 

[David Nock]

I like Sheffield.Very good football team.

Teams.....Don't go there!

 

[Aussie Nick]

OK.OK.OK.OK. I wont even mention Manchester or Leeds.

 

[whitenemesis]

I leave my aircon on "Auto" permanently, summer, winter. No problems at

 

[Lewis]

Fuuny enough i just tested mine was still working before i read this thread, as i do operate the AC during the winter to lubricate as you mention. Was blowing around 7 deg C out the vents so all working well.
Good reminder to those that don't bother as it really does make a difference.

 

[rf065]

I think that you can just force the cabin temp down with the temp settings, after all on a cold but sunny day like today, cabin temp will be fairly high. Also you could turn controls up and fry yourself before zooming back down to bottom temp setting. That should pull the compressor in sufficiently.

Air con will not work below a certain temp as it would freeze. Not sure about Mercs, but it is usually designed not to operate below 3 or 4 degrees C.

I leave mine on permanently, on auto, all year round. The air con light will stay on, but it stops working when it is near freezing outside.

Russ

 

[100%Bitch]

OK.OK.OK.OK. I wont even mention Manchester or Leeds.

And what's wrong with Leeds?

Seriously, thanks for the reminder Nick. It's okay in my SL but we need to do it in the Micra. Thanks again.