When Auto AC is set, when starting car, the "auto" light is lit and the snowflake button is lit. I can press the snowflake button to turn it off. What am I doing? What am I turning off?...as the Auto AC still seems to function the same. Am I turning off the compressor?

Is it better to leave the snowflake button active or better to turn it off? For cold or warm weather?

Thanks in advance, Finner

 

The snowflake is the AC. The auto temp function will try to maintain the temp with it off, but it will be much harder for it to cool the car with just the fan. You will also notice that the car will feel more humid.

So, leave it on and the car feels nicer, leave it off get better fuel economy.

 

Coyle,

So in cool weather when the Auto function is throwing out heat, no reason to have the snowflake on correct? Or maybe it helps with humidity during the winter and if windows start to fog...put it on?

Otherwise, I can gain on mileage a little with it off which was what I figured.
Correct?

Thanks, Finner

 

When the snowflake is on the compressor is on and the manual says it filters and dehumidifies the air (then heats it if it's cold out). Personally I turn off the snowflake when it's cold. Saves a little gas I figure.

 

Thanks Newt!

That's what I suspected and I'll turn it off just as you do.

I couldn't check the manual as car isn't here now. Thanks. ...Finner

 

I leave it off in the cold weather. If you need to defrost, switch the vents to your window and the AC should automatically kick on.

 

Sometimes if you find your windows fogging up on the inside, the A/C will clear it. The '98 Civic I drive sometimes with manual climate control will turn on the A/C when you change the settings to "defrost/defog".

 

For months, I never touched the Auto button or the AC button and only (occasionally) adjusted the temp setting. Pretty much set and forget - worked great. One day I turned off the AC button because it was cold out. After a few day, it warmed up outside, and I noticed that it wasn't very comfortible inside anymore. The humidity and temp had increased and at first I though the AC had broke. I then remembered I turned the AC button off several days ago, turned it back on and everything was fine again. I guess "Auto" works best when just left alone, and besides, that is what I paid extra for anyway. Why fool with it!

 

You would fool with when you don't need the AC and want to save some pennys on gas.