Used the air the other day for the first time in 90 degree weather. Took a while to cool off the AB/B. Probably should have used the windshield protector. Seemed to cool a little better with the circulation closed. The auto HC has an 'L' after you go below 62 degrees. What does that (L) mean? Anyone have advice on how to get the best cooling out of these little beast?

 

L means "low." I usually keep mine on "Auto" but when it's real hot, I switch to "Max," which automatically sets it to "recirculate", lowest tem (L) and max fan. This recirculates the air in the car through the a/c, which cools the interior quickly.

 

"L", as above, means "LO". In this mode the auto a/c no longer controls the inside air temp, it instead sets the air blend doors in the system to make the air as cold as possible (it does not mix in any heat whatsoever). In very hot days, use the 'recirculate' function. This allows the a/c to cool air that has already been cooled rather than trying to chill 90+ degree outside air. Once the system has caught up with the heat load, set the controls to a desired temperature. Occasionally switch to fresh air (non-recirculating) mode and back for a minute to freshen the inside air if it feels 'stuffy'.

 

True. This is all done when you select "max"

 

Thanks you all! I am used to a suv with dual units. I was thinking "oh, oh, what did I do here!"

 

In the 1.5 years that I've had my car, I cannot remember one time that I have used AC. I prefer the top-down button.

 

+1

I don't think I have ever used my A/C once. I just think of the top-down button as turning on one big fan.

 

I agree with the two above re top down button, even on 100+ days. I have however needed to use the a/c on occasion to defog the windows during humid/rainy weather when the top 'can't' be down.

 

In my older cars, it was always suggested to run the AC for 5 min/month to 'keep the seals lubed'. Did that go away with zerk fittings, or is it still advisable?
All knowing Greatbear?

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by IndyDave
In the 1.5 years that I've had my car, I cannot remember one time that I have used AC. I prefer the top-down button.

+1

I don't think I have ever used my A/C once. I just think of the top-down button as turning on one big fan.
__________________

Must be a damp thing going on when it is in the 90's and raining :impatient . But you both are probably right.

 

It's always a good idea to use the a/c function periodically so the system remains 'conditioned' by the oil that circulates along with the refrigerant. Since most people use their defroster to keep the windshield clear on occasions even if they dont use a/c, the a/c system gets exercised since it runs in defrost mode by default (and makes the defrost mode work most effectively). So, the system gets it's use, albeit indirectly.

I rarely use a/c compared to most people, but even I will need relief from opressive heat and humidity now and then, and there are those wet, humid days that keeping a window down is impractical and the windows begin steaming up.

 

I'm trying to do my part for global warming - I drive top down with the AC on to blow a little cool air in my face on a hot day....

 

It's still advisable, although now, most cars integrate the a/c into the defog feature, so it generally gets some use anyway. Still a good idea to run it periodically. The refrigerant contains lubricants that keep seals from cracking and venting. (Sorry to horn in on Greatbear).

 

Ditto here, have done it for 37 years! If heat works top down in winter, air works top down in summer.