When it’s freezing cold outside and the ground is already covered with snow, it sounds baseless to turn on the AC. For many drivers, turning off the AC throughout this period of winter season implies lesser fuel consumption and saved costs. This is treated the same way how the service of the vehicle is overlooked. Both can be equally harmful and would require greater repairing costs. However, it is important to understand that not using AC for long can affect the life of the vehicle or may have other negative impacts. On the other side, turning AC on even in winters can fetch benefits to the driver. 

• Better visibility

During this time, the glasses of the vehicle get fogged up, which restricts the driver to get a clear view of the front. When the AC is turned on the air coming out of the vents is believed to be drier than the air that is both outsides and inside the car. The dry air will be blown to the fogged-up window which would help remove the moisture that has settled on the glass. This improves the visibility of the driver and reduces the chances of accidents.

• Your A/C system: Use it 

AC system is comprised of parts that require mandatory movement. The circulation of the refrigerant and oil is needed to keep the parts that are moving lubricated. Halting the use of AC for some time restrict the lubricant from reaching these parts, leading to serious damage which may demand expensive repairs. Thus, it is needed to make sure that the AC is used often to keep the rubber seal well lubricated, keeping the system in good condition.

• Reduces Air Conditioner Problems

If you are still not in favour of running the AC for cooling in the winter, you should still turn it on for some time to check whether it is working properly or not. Not using it at all would make you ignore the problems in the system which require immediate attention. One of these is the freezing up of the expansion valve due to zero usage. These problems would then be looked after in the summer season which will already be too late to get through them. Hence causing you further inconvenience.

• Limit the build-up of bacteria and mould

The dust from outside air usually gets settled on the AC filters. Not turning it on, would bacteria and mould grow on it, which would be an unhealthy environment to breathe in. this could be figured out by detecting the foul smell that may be rushed out as soon you turn on the AC. Again, running the AC would be the solution or else you will have to expend a good amount in getting the bacteria growing inside to be cleaned.

Running the AC even in winters is fruitful for the smooth working of your vehicle. If these minor things are ignored, then they might add up to create a big problem. The temperature inside the vehicle can be controlled by turning the heater on along the AC, but reducing the usage of AC to zero for a specific time period could be troublesome.