Quick fuel saving tip for Winter

[Daox]

I meant that dehumidified defrost air (from the a/c running) is not necessary in winter because the air is already dry.

[MazdaMatt]

some days its dry, but i wouldn't be able to say that I get 4 months of continuous dry cold. I think it is retarded that cars don't seperate fan control and compressor control anymore. I hate that I can't decide for myself if i want the compressor on... it's a waste of gas.

[Daox]

I've never had a problem defrosting windows in my cars that didn't have A/C.

[mavinwy]

Weird...

I was considering this just last night while putting a new electric fan set in the Neon.

Since the fuse for the AC is underhood, I was just planning on putting it on a rocker switch so that I could pick and choose when to run the AC since the new fan control module does not activate the fan yet. Then I thought...why not leave it that way for the winter.

I ran the wires last night, but the auto parts store was out of the switches to match the ones I currently have installed, so it will wait a day or two.

I feel a little dumb about not coming up with this before since I helped a buddy of mine put his AC on a rocker switch on his 2000 Protoge because the PO had some "intersting" wiring going to it and some auto controls missing. It works fine and is "on demand" and he can even turn it off on some of the long hills around here.

Oh well, better late than never.....

Jim

[wagonman76]

Mine defrosts just fine without AC. The only car I have where the AC even works is the Celebrity and I put that one away for winter. I think carmakers make the AC run with defrost for defogging, not necessarily for defrosting. Up in the north you dont need it, since any fog just becomes frost anyway and yes it the air is very dry in the winter.

Id disconnect the wire to the compressor clutch too in the winter if mine worked.

[Markmysite]

Hmmm never thought to try this. Any idea how much improvement in mileage it would net?

[Noel]

AC helping get the moisture off the window helps a LOT.
Many a day that just a defroster along won't keep the window from fogging up.

I have a button to controll ac compressor.

Originally Posted by Daox

I meant that dehumidified defrost air (from the a/c running) is not necessary in winter because the air is already dry.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by MazdaMatt

Well booo-fricken-hoooo... this IS an international forum remember! I'm not even in the "extreme north" and last winter we had a week where the temp didn't get above -30C... try THAT and tell me I shouldn't idle my car for a bit!

Didn't you read the disclaimer
I'm just not dressed for the occasion after a work trip. We also get a lot of wind (which I didn't factor into experience). I think there's a tolerance that's built-up in either extremes as well.

I've spent some time in the -30/-40C range, but dressed for it. Here, the temp ranges from -5F to 105F, sorry -21C to 41C since this IS an International forum

Now, can I talk you to into driving in 35C/70% relative humidity, without A/C?

As for the compressor, i wouldn't turn it off because it blows dry air on my window for defog. Without it I'm screwed.

See below...

Originally Posted by Daox

I've never had a problem defrosting windows in my cars that didn't have A/C.

Same here -- it just takes some extra effort in controls/windows and/or paper towels.

As mentioned, the switch does offer the option to cut the A/C on hills when you need it. For my job, I can't show up a sweaty mess -- so before I get pummeled for that, I do use the A/C. Otherwise, I'll often sweat it out on the way home or in personal use. The condenser hangs-on to the cool air pretty well with the re-circ on.

The previous gen. Taurus (200x-2006) drove me nuts! The compressor came on in all selectors but "Floor" (and off). You couldn't direct cool air through the vents to save on drag (windows down) without engaging the compressor. That car seriously needs a switch.

Lots of newer cars (even base models with air -- specifically GM) will not allow recirc without the compressor engaged. The new Galant turns on the A/C automatically on recirc engage, but you can turn it off. Too bad you have to lean down to see the recirc indicator light in the daytime. They don't let you do anything on your own anymore.

RH77

[MazdaMatt]

Originally Posted by RH77

Now, can I talk you to into driving in 35C/70% relative humidity, without A/C?

In S.Ontario we range from -40 to +40. Rare on the extremes, but they happen. I'm skinny, i don't mind 35* (find it kinda pleasant), but i HATE -35 with a passion. Skinny fingers were not intended to grip -35 steering wheels.

As for the compressor topic... my compressor DOES turn on in floor mode, but it allows foot/face and face without and turns on for face/defog and defog. Bloody annoying!

Yes, SOMETIMES blowing air over your wet carpets will fog your windows, but let me decide that, cuz the other 99% of the time, i'd rather have the compressor OFF. I guess they figure if they can prevent ONE accident because some moron kept fogging up their windows, it is worth everyone using more gas.

[Daox]

I've always just been able to crank the heat and fan on high and not have a problem at all. Of course, that car has a wonderfully large fan on it...